EXHIBIT 99.1

                              FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

            PHOENIX INTERNATIONAL LIFE SCIENCES INC. TO ANNOUNCE THE
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                  APPOINTMENT OF A NEW CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
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MONTREAL, AUGUST 31, 1999. Phoenix International Life Sciences Inc. is pleased
to announce the appointment of a new Chief Executive Officer, replacing Dr. John
W. Hooper.

This appointment follows a successful executive search for Dr. Hooper's
replacement after he announced plans to step down as CEO of Phoenix
International last spring. These changes take effect immediately.

At a special Board meeting today, company directors approved the appointment of
Phoenix International Life Sciences' new Chief Executive Officer. A separate
announcement, with more details, will be released very shortly.

The Board also approved the appointment of Mr. Claude E. Forget as the new
Chairman of the Board to replace Dr. Hooper who will remain a Director of the
Board. Mr. Forget has been a Director of Phoenix since 1989. Mr. Forget has held
numerous executive roles in both the private and public sectors in Quebec. He is
an Officer of the Order of Canada.

The members of the Board would like to express their thanks to Dr. John W.
Hooper who founded and has served this company with tremendous energy and
devotion during so many years and whose vision has inspired the current
positioning of the company.

Phoenix International Life Sciences Inc. is one of the largest pharmaceutical
contract research organizations with over two thousand employees worlwide.

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;
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, Senior Vice-President and Chief Financial Officer
(514) 333-0033