1st Aug 2005 07:01
Provexis PLC29 July 2005 PROVEXIS PLC ("Provexis" or the "Company") Provexis and HEART UK enter product endorsement agreement Provexis, the nutraceutical company that develops scientifically proven functional and medical foods, is delighted to announce their entry into an initial three-year agreement with the registered heart health charity, HEART UK,which will see formal approval of the Company's lead product, the fruit juice drink Sirco(TM). In addition the two organisations will collaborate in research and educational activities designed to increase awareness of family heart health issues amongst the public. Sirco(TM), carrying the HEART UK logo, will initially be available in two flavours and the Company is currently planning, with major retailers, a nationalUK launch. The Sirco(TM) packaging will show that the product "Helps to maintain a healthy heart and benefits the circulation." Sirco(TM) contains the patented natural fruit extract called Fruitflow(TM). Fruitflow(TM) was discovered at the Rowett Research Institute in 1998 and since2000 has been developed and clinically tested in human trials by Provexis. Fruitflow(TM) contains a range of tasteless tomato-derived natural compoundswhich have been proven to inhibit platelet aggregation, a part of the blood-clotting process which can cause heart attack and stroke. According to the British Heart Foundation, heart and circulatory disease is theUK's biggest killer. Sirco(TM) is being launched into a new, emerging category in the UK: "heart-healthy" functional juices. This category first emerged in the US in thelast two years, with rapid growth to 2004 sales of $100.1m, according toInformation Resources Inc. data. Dr Stephen Franklin, Chief Executive Officer of Provexis, said: "The approvalgranted by HEART UK is excellent news, and we look forward to working togetherin a proactive manner to promote heart health. Our strategy is to differentiateourselves in the functional food industry by investing in R&D and developingproducts that taste great, deliver proven health benefits, and carry crediblehealth claims supported by strong scientific proof." Michael Livingston, the Director of HEART UK said: "The Charity is delightedto be embarking on a long-term partnership with Provexis plc to help people takeproactive steps to reduce their risk of heart disease." Ends For further information please contact: Provexis plcDr Stephen Franklin, CEO 07710 348 774 Bell Pottinger Corporate and FinancialAnn-Marie Wilkinson/Emma Kent 020 7861 3232 Notes to Editors Provexis develops scientifically proven functional and medical foods. Functionalfoods are foods such as Benecol and Flora pro.activ that contain physiologicallyactive food components and provide health benefits beyond basic nutrition. InJune 2005 the Company joined AIM via a reverse takeover by Nutrinnovator.Nutrinnovator came into operation in February 2003 and launched the Altunutrition bar, floated on AIM in June 2004 and brings with it a technologypipeline as well as marketing, selling and business development skills. Provexis was formed in December 1999 by the life-science subsidiary of theventure-management company, ANGLE plc. In January 2000, Provexis entered into anew technology option agreement with Rowett Research Services Ltd. (RRS), thecommercial subsidiary of the Aberdeen based Rowett Institute, and this optionwas exercised in November 2001. Provexis' agreements with RRS have provided itwith the intellectual property rights pertaining to its lead product, Fruitflow.Provexis continues to have strong links with the Rowett Institute, whichprovides the company with R&D facilities, human trials and, potentially, newtechnologies. HEART UK is a national charity of patients and their families, supportingresearch and helping to increase awareness and understanding of the importanceof Heart Health and how to maintain a healthy cardiovascular system. HEART UKworks with patients and their families and combines the rich skills of researchscientists, the caring knowledgeable attention of doctors, nurses anddietitians, in order to support all those at risk of cardiovascular disease. Product Overview The company has an initial pipeline of four products in development: • Fruitflow(TM) - a proprietary tomato extract proven to reduce platelet aggregation which reduces the risk of thrombosis, a major cause of heart attack and stroke• Plantain extract - for digestive health and management of inflammatory bowel disease• Superbroccoli - broccoli based extract for the reduction of risk of specific cancers• Omega III oil technology - for heart-health and cognitive benefits The Fruitflow(TM) intellectual property rights are broad and well protected, andthe product has been granted patent in Europe and Australia, and has a patentgrant pending in the US. This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock ExchangeRelated Shares:
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