AIM-listed Provexis received a grant of £100,000 from the Northwest Regional Development Agency to fund research into the control of gastric ulcers and cancers. The announcement was made by Provexis backer Enterprise Ventures, which also revealed that the company’s tomato-based Fruitflow product for thinning the blood and preventing thrombosis has had its health benefits confirmed by the European Food Safety Authority.

Jonathan Diggins, chief executive of Enterprise Ventures, says the firm’s RisingStars funds have invested in Provexis in several funding rounds over the past five years. Their commitment to the company is now £1.75 million.

Fruitflow is stocked by Waitrose under the Sirco juice brand.