Exhibit 99.1
                                  Press Release
                                Immediate Release

  PHOENIX INTERNATIONAL LIFE SCIENCES INC. ANNOUNCES FINANCIAL RESULTS FOR THE
                          SECOND QUARTER OF FISCAL 1999

Montreal, April 15, 1999 - Phoenix International reported consolidated net
revenues of $56.4 million for the second quarter of fiscal 1999 ended February
28, 1999, a growth of 59% compared to $35.6 million for the corresponding period
of fiscal 1998, as restated to include the ANAWA and Clinserve poolings of
interests. During the second quarter, the company's organic growth in net
revenue was 18%.

Year to date net revenue is $ 117.2 million compared to $ 70.4 million for the
corresponding six-month period or an increase of 66% , including an organic
growth of 20%.

Phoenix International's net income on a US GAAP basis for the second quarter is
$ 100,000 or $0.00 per share as compared to $ 678,000 or $0.03 per share for the
equivalent period in fiscal 1998. On a year to date basis, the company's net
profit is $ 3.6 million or $ 0.13 per share before merger costs of $ 800,000 ($
0.03 per share) related to the Clinserve & McKnight acquisitions under pooling
of interest method, as compared to $ 3 million or $ 0.12 per share for the same
period last year. Cash flow from operations before working capital changes
increased 40% to $10.0 million, compared to $6.9 million in the second quarter
of fiscal 1998.

On a Canadian GAAP basis, the net loss was $ 395,000 in the second quarter of
fiscal 1999 or $0.02 per share compared to a profit of $ 195,000 or $0.01 per
share in the corresponding period of fiscal 1998. Gross margin was 38%, in line
with the comparative prior year quarter.

Dr. John Hooper, Chairman and CEO commented:

         The second quarter earnings are consistent with those forecasted in our
         February Press Release and we expect the earnings in the third quarter
         to improve and to continue to improve in the fourth quarter.

The Chrysalis acquisition announced in November of 1998 is proceeding as planned
with the Chrysalis shareholders meeting to approve the transaction scheduled for
on April 30, 1999. If approved by Chrysalis shareholders, closing is expected to
occur shortly thereafter. Chrysalis, is one of the world's 15 largest CROs, with
strength in preclinical toxicology and pharmacology in Lyon, France and
Scranton, Pennsylvania, and genomics services in Princeton, New Jersey (DNX
Transgenics), and is expected to have a continuing Phase II-IV clinical research
presence in Germany, Eastern Europe, and Israel, complementary to Phoenix's more
substantial operations in this market segment.

Phoenix International is a contract research organisation (CRO) providing a wide
spectrum of clinical, analytical, preclinical, drug discovery support and
ancillary services to the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries. Since
beginning its operations in 1989, Phoenix International has grown to
approximately 2,000 employees, of whom more than 175 have either medical degrees
or PhD's and over 225 others have masters degrees.

This release contains "forward-looking" statements regarding future results and
events, including statements regarding expected future revenues, earnings and
growth rates and goals and operating plans of management. Phoenix's actual
future results may differ significantly from the results discussed in the
forward-looking statements contained in this release. Factors that may cause
such a difference include, but are not limited to: the inability of Phoenix to
win new business at the levels required; the cancellation or delay of contracts;
risks associated with the management of growth and the ability to attract and
retain employees; risks of integrating newly acquired businesses; competition;
delays in the consummation of the Chrysalis acquisition; failure to realize
fully expected costs savings from the Chrysalis acquisition; excess costs
relating to the downsizing of Chrysalis; any claims for patent infringement;
unanticipated costs in connection with Year 2000 conversion; the ability to
obtain future financing; adverse regulatory developments; foreign exchange rate
fluctuations; and uncertainty surrounding the Euro.

           FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT DAVID MOSZKOWSKI, C.A.
                Senior Vice-President and Chief Financial Officer
                    Phoenix International Life Sciences Inc.
                     Tel: (514) 333-0033 Fax: (514) 335-8351
                             E-mail: david@pils.com