30 April 2013
Provexis plc
Fruitflow® powder has GRAS status affirmed in the United States
Provexis plc ("Provexis" or the "Company"), a business that develops, licenses and markets scientifically-proven functional food and sports nutrition technologies, announces that an independent Expert Panel in the United States has affirmed the powder version of the company's Fruitflow® heart-health ingredient to be Generally Recognised as Safe ('GRAS'), paving the way for the powder version of Fruitflow® to be marketed in the United States.
The powder version of Fruitflow® has been scaled up and commercialised by the company's Alliance partner DSM Nutritional Products ("DSM") and first orders have been received from six customers in international markets. The powder version is suitable for a range of dietary supplement products including soft gels, capsules and tablets, and it will enable manufacturers to target a broader consumer base. DSM has launched the powder version of Fruitflow® internally to its global sales force, and the product will be launched commercially by DSM at the Vitafoods exhibition in Geneva on 14 May.
Stephen Moon, CEO of Provexis, commented:
"GRAS affirmation of the powder version of Fruitflow is a significant development for the product which will help to unlock the substantial commercial opportunities available in North America. Our Alliance with DSM has made very good progress in commencing the commercialisation of Fruitflow, and GRAS affirmation of Fruitflow powder will help to drive the continuing good levels of customer interest from a range of customers across the globe."
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For further information please contact:
Provexis plc
Stephen Moon, Chief Executive Tel: 01753 861777
Cenkos Securities plc
Max Hartley / Bobbie Hilliam Tel: 020 7397 8900
Haggie Financial LLP
Matthew Longbottom / Peter Rigby Tel: 020 7417 8989
[email protected]
Notes to Editors
About Fruitflow®
Fruitflow®, a water-soluble tomato concentrate developed by Provexis, is a breakthrough in anti-thrombotic food technology. In human trials, consumption of Fruitflow® has been proven to reduce platelet aggregation in 97% of subjects. The effect takes place within three hours of consumption and lasts for up to eighteen hours, making it ideal for daily dosage in functional foods or dietary supplements. The syrup version of Fruitflow® can be used as an ingredient in food and beverages, and the powder version is suitable for a range of dietary supplement products including soft gels, capsules and tablets.
The syrup and powder versions of Fruitflow® are GRAS (Generally Regarded as Safe) in the US and are not regarded as Novel Foods in the EU, clearing them for wide use in foods, beverages and supplements. In May 2009, the Fruitflow® technology was the first to be substantiated by the European Food Safety Authority ("EFSA") under the new Article 13(5) for proprietary and emerging science. In December 2009 the European Commission authorised the health claim "Helps maintain normal platelet aggregation, which contributes to healthy blood flow", which was the first wording to be authorised under Article 13(5).
The technology has been granted patents in the EU, US, Australia, Canada and Mexico, with Japan pending. Further patents have been filed for the bioactive components of Fruitflow® and for other developmental areas such as deep vein thrombosis and triglyceride lowering.
About Royal DSM N.V.
Royal DSM is a global science-based company active in health, nutrition and materials. By connecting its unique competences in Life Sciences and Materials Sciences DSM is driving economic prosperity, environmental progress and social advances to create sustainable value for all stakeholders. DSM delivers innovative solutions that nourish, protect and improve performance in global markets such as food and dietary supplements, personal care, feed, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, automotive, paints, electrical and electronics, life protection, alternative energy and bio-based materials. DSM's 23,500 employees deliver annual net sales of about €9.1 billion. The company is listed on NYSE Euronext. More information can be found at www.dsm.com.
About DSM Nutritional Products
DSM Nutritional Products, a wholly-owned business unit of Royal DSM N.V., is one of the world's leading suppliers of vitamins, carotenoids and other ingredients to the feed, food, pharmaceutical and personal care industries. The business has sales of more than €3 billion and a long tradition of innovation that benefits people, planet and profit. DSM Nutritional Products is a fully integrated global operation, organised into three market-facing businesses: Animal nutrition & health, Human nutrition & health and Personal care.
