Provexis PLC Half-year Report (5466A)

TIDMPXS

RNS Number : 5466A

Provexis PLC

29 December 2017

   29 December 2017                                          Provexis plc 

UNAUDITED INTERIM RESULTS FOR SIX MONTHS TO 30 SEPTEMBER 2017

Provexis plc ("Provexis" or the "Company"), the business that develops, licenses and sells the proprietary, scientifically-proven Fruitflow(R) heart-health functional food ingredient, announces its unaudited interim results for the six months ended 30 September 2017.

Key highlights

   --      Total revenue for the period GBP124k (2016: GBP123k). 

-- The Company and its commercial partner DSM have seen an encouraging increase in brand awareness and customer interest in Fruitflow(R) in recent months; the total projected annual sales value of the prospective sales pipeline for Fruitflow(R) now stands at a further new all-time high level.

-- Over 50 regional consumer healthcare brands containing Fruitflow(R) now launched by DSM's customers, with further regional brands launched through DSM's distributor channels. An increasing number of further commercial projects have been initiated by DSM with prospective customers, including some prospective customers which are part of global businesses.

-- MOU for a research and collaboration agreement announced in April 2017 for Fruitflow(R) between the Company and BY-HEALTH, a GBP2bn listed Chinese dietary supplement business. Collaboration will focus on BY-HEALTH's research programme into the development of new products that contribute to cardiovascular health, with BY-HEALTH planning to launch a number of Fruitflow(R) based products in the Chinese market.

-- Patent application announced in December 2017 relating to the use of Fruitflow(R) in protecting against the adverse effects of air pollution on the body's cardiovascular system, with laboratory work showing that Fruitflow(R) can reduce the platelet activation caused by airborne particulate matter by approximately one third.

-- Further encouraging progress from the Company's Fruitflow(R) + Omega-3 dietary supplement product which was launched in 2016. Listing with Amazon secured in June 2017, further UK sales channel opportunities are currently being progressed to include listings with some major UK retailers; the Company is actively seeking to launch the product online into wider international markets to include North America.

-- Planned formulation and launch of a Fruitflow(R) + nitrates dietary supplement product which will be supported by the Company's strong patent position in this area.

-- Fruitflow(R) blood pressure study published in the International Journal of Food Sciences and Nutrition, indicating that Fruitflow(R) significantly lowered blood pressure in the study subjects; encouraging blood pressure results are expected to have a positive effect on current and future commercial negotiations for Fruitflow(R).

   --      Company raised GBP672k through a two stage placing in May and August 2017. 

-- Underlying operating loss* GBP153k (2016: GBP128k), reflecting increased patent costs during the period.

   --      Cash GBP483k at 30 September 2017 (2016: GBP243k). 

*before share based payments of GBP43k (2016: GBP13k), as set out on the face of the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income

Provexis Executive Chairman Dawson Buck commented:

'We are pleased to be able to report on a period of significant progress for the Company, to include:

-- The encouraging increase in brand awareness and customer interest in Fruitflow which the Company and DSM have seen in recent months, with the total projected annual sales value of the prospective sales pipeline for Fruitflow now standing at a further new all-time high level;

-- The strategic collaboration agreement for Fruitflow between DSM and Chinese listed BY-HEALTH, and the related announcement by the Company confirming that it had entered into an MOU with BY-HEALTH for a research and collaboration agreement for Fruitflow;

   --      The planned launch by BY-HEALTH of some Fruitflow based products in the Chinese market; 

-- The patent application announced in December 2017 relating to the use of Fruitflow in protecting against the adverse effects of air pollution on the body's cardiovascular system, with laboratory work showing that Fruitflow can reduce the platelet activation caused by airborne particulate matter by approximately one third.

-- Encouraging progress with the Company's Fruitflow + Omega-3 dietary supplement product, which is expected to provide the Company with an additional long term income and profit stream;

-- The planned formulation and launch of a Fruitflow + nitrates dietary supplement product which will be supported by the Company's strong patent position in this area;

-- The publication of a Fruitflow blood pressure study in the International Journal of Food Sciences and Nutrition, indicating that Fruitflow significantly lowered blood pressure in the study subjects;

-- The strong support which the company has received from investors in relation to subscriptions to raise further working capital for the Company, to include a PrimaryBid.com element.

The Company expects that these strongly positive announcements and initiatives will have a beneficial effect on the current and future commercial prospects for Fruitflow. The Company is well placed to maximise the commercial opportunities arising from these developments for Fruitflow and the Provexis business, and remains positive about the outlook for the business for the second half of the year and beyond.'

This announcement contains inside information.

For further information please contact:

Provexis plc Tel: [phone]

   Dawson Buck, Chairman                                                  [e-mail] 

Ian Ford, Finance Director

Cenkos Securities plc Tel: [phone]

Bobbie Hilliam / Camilla Hume

Chairman's statement

The Company has had a strong and active first six months of the year, seeking to enhance further the commercial prospects of its innovative, patented Fruitflow(R) heart-health ingredient.

The Company's Alliance partner DSM Nutritional Products has continued to develop the market actively for Fruitflow(R) in all global markets. More than 50 regional consumer healthcare brands have now been launched by direct customers of DSM, and a number of further regional brands have been launched through DSM's distributor channels.

The Company and DSM have seen an encouraging increase in brand awareness and customer interest in Fruitflow(R) in recent months, with an increasing number of further commercial projects being initiated with prospective customers, including some prospective customers which are part of global businesses.

The total projected annual sales value of the prospective sales pipeline for Fruitflow(R) has continued to increase, now standing at a further new all-time high level.

Revenues for the period were GBP124k (2016: GBP123k), with the prior period's revenue including amounts of GBP28k received for marketing support (2017: GBPNil).

Revenues accruing to the Company for the period from its profit sharing Alliance for Fruitflow(R) were GBP90k (2016: GBP88k).

The Company launched its Fruitflow(R) + Omega-3 dietary supplement product in late June 2016 and in June 2017 the Company secured a listing for the product with Amazon.co.uk. The product achieved sales of GBP34k in the period (2016: GBP7k) and it has seen further sales growth since the period end.

The underlying operating loss for the period was GBP153k (2016: loss of GBP128k), reflecting increased patent costs arising during the period.

MOU for a research and development collaboration with By-Health Co., Ltd for Fruitflow(R)

In April 2017 the Company announced it had entered into a memorandum of understanding with BY-HEALTH Co., Ltd, a GBP2bn listed Chinese dietary supplement business, which is intended to result in a research and collaboration agreement with BY-HEALTH for Fruitflow(R).

The Company also confirmed separately that Provexis and DSM were working with BY-HEALTH to support the planned launch of some Fruitflow(R) based products in the Chinese market.

The proposed research and collaboration agreement between the Company and BY-HEALTH is intended to focus on BY-HEALTH's research programme into the development of new products that contribute to cardiovascular health, particularly in the field of blood pressure regulation, and it is intended to include a clinical trial which will be conducted in China. It is envisaged that the Company, BY-HEALTH and a third party Chinese research organisation will sign the research and collaboration agreement in the first quarter of 2018, with the bulk of the research programme to be completed in 2018.

It is envisaged under the MOU that the Company and BY-HEALTH will jointly provide primary funding for the research and collaboration work which will include the assessment of a number of different potential product formulations. Product formulations which are covered under the Company's existing patents would continue to be owned outright by the Company, and the Company would retain proportional joint ownership of any new product formulations developed as part of the project. It is envisaged that the Company will provide scientific and technical support for Fruitflow(R) to BY-HEALTH throughout the collaboration.

In November 2016 the Company announced that DSM had entered into a strategic collaboration agreement for Fruitflow(R) with BY-HEALTH focussing on the development of new products that contribute to cardiovascular health, to include evaluation and testing procedures to accord with Chinese technical and regulatory standards. The MOU announced by the Company in April 2017 is in support of this existing collaboration, whilst ensuring that the Company retains and strengthens its intellectual property holdings.

There are more than 230m people in China who are currently thought to have cardiovascular disease, and a significant increase in cardiovascular events is expected in China over the course of the next decade based on population aging and growth alone (source: World Health Organisation - Cardiovascular diseases, China). China is now the world's second-largest pharmaceuticals market, measured by how much patients and the state spend on drugs. The Company believes that Fruitflow(R) has the potential to play an important role in the Chinese cardiovascular health market.

Patent application - Fruitflow(R) protects against adverse effects of air pollution

In December 2017 the Company announced the filing of a patent application relating to the use of Fruitflow(R) in protecting against the adverse effects of air pollution on the body's cardiovascular system.

Recent laboratory work has shown that Fruitflow(R) can reduce the platelet activation caused by airborne particulate matter, such as that from diesel emissions, by approximately one third. The beneficial effects of this reduction can be observed in laboratory models representing healthy subjects as well as in models representing subjects with an underlying cardiovascular problem.

The patent application describes 'a composition comprising a water soluble tomato extract (Fruitflow(R)) for use in maintaining cardiovascular health, lessening the risk of developing a cardiovascular health problem, or reducing the likelihood of worsening an existing cardiovascular health problem in a subject who is exposed, or is at risk of exposure, to particulate air pollution', and uses of Fruitflow(R) described in the patent application include:

   --      Maintaining healthy platelet function in the presence of air pollution; 
   --      Maintaining a healthy blood circulation and blood flow in the presence of air pollution; 

-- Reducing the risk of an adverse cardiovascular condition, such as atherosclerosis or thrombosis, in the presence of particulate matter air pollution;

   --      Reducing the severity of cardiovascular diseases when exposed to particulate matter; and 
   --      Reducing the risk of cardiovascular and respiratory illness in an air polluted environment. 

The World Health Organization ('WHO') estimates that in 2012 around 1 in 9 deaths were attributed to exposure to air pollution, making it the largest environmental risk factor for ill health, with 92% of the world's population living in places where air quality levels exceed WHO limits.

The patent filing means that DSM and the Company can use this research now to assist with discussions with current and potential customers. The Company expects that this patent application will have a strongly beneficial effect on the current and future commercial prospects for Fruitflow worldwide.

Fruitflow(R) + Omega-3 dietary supplement product

In June 2016 the Company announced the launch of its new Fruitflow(R) + Omega-3 dietary supplement product, which is available through the Company's new e-commerce website www.fruitflowplus.com, the product also has a Facebook page at www.facebook.com/FruitflowPlus.

In June 2017 the Company secured a listing for the product with Amazon.co.uk. Further UK sales channel opportunities are currently being progressed to include listings with some major UK retailers, and the Company is actively seeking to launch the product online into wider international markets to include North America.

Fruitflow(R) + Omega-3 is a two-in-one supplement in an easy to take capsule, supporting healthy blood flow and normal heart function, and it achieved sales of GBP34k in the period (2016: GBP7k), with further sales growth seen since the period end. The product achieved sales of GBP29k in the nine month period from its launch to the end of the Company's financial year on 31 March 2017.

In May 2014 the US Food and Drug Administration issued some guidance concerning the use of low dose Aspirin, stating that after carefully examining scientific data from major studies it has concluded 'the data do not support the use of aspirin as a preventive medication by people who have not had a heart attack, stroke or cardiovascular problems, a use that is called 'primary prevention.' In such people, the benefit has not been established but risks - such as dangerous bleeding into the brain or stomach - are still present.' The Company believes that this guidance remains a particularly strong opportunity for Fruitflow(R) in North America.

The Company and DSM are committed to a number of ongoing scientific and marketing initiatives for Fruitflow(R) and the Company's Fruitflow(R) + Omega-3 capsules, seeking to extend the reach of the existing science for Fruitflow(R) and give the products further global exposure. A promotional broadcast event is being planned to take place in January 2018.

Fruitflow(R) + nitrates dietary supplement product

In December 2013 British and international patent applications were filed for the use of Fruitflow(R) in mitigating exercise-induced inflammation and for promoting recovery from intense exercise, seeking to enhance further the potential of the technology in the sports nutrition sector. The patent was granted by the UK IPO on 3 May 2017, and patents are being sought in Europe, the US, China and ten other territories. The patent application has now entered the national phase, with potential patent protection out to December 2033.

The Company is keen to progress the formulation and launch of a Fruitflow(R) + nitrates dietary supplement product which would be supported by the Company's strong patent position in this area. The product would have anti-inflammatory and circulation benefits for athletes seeking to recover after exercise, properties which would also be potentially beneficial to a wide range of other consumers to include people suffering from the symptoms of basic ageing.

Fruitflow(R) and Blood Pressure - Collaboration with University of Oslo

In November 2014 the Company signed a two stage collaboration agreement with the University of Oslo seeking to undertake further research into the relationship between Fruitflow(R) and blood pressure regulation.

In December 2016 it was announced that the Company and the University had completed the second stage of the collaboration work, which had seen the parties conduct a small clinical trial in Oslo by way of a proof of principle study. The study examined the acute effects of different amounts of Fruitflow(R) in powder format on parameters relating to blood pressure, such as systolic and diastolic blood pressure, mean arterial pressure, pulse pressure and heart rate. The trial subjects, who were healthy with no underlying cardiovascular disease or other conditions likely to affect blood pressure, received both placebo and Fruitflow(R) supplements in a blinded crossover design.

Results from the pilot study indicated that a 150mg dose of Fruitflow(R) in powder format significantly lowered the average 24-hour systolic blood pressure compared to placebo. When the monitoring time was split into waking and sleeping periods, both systolic and diastolic blood pressure were significantly lower after 150mg Fruitflow(R) treatment than after placebo treatment during the waking period; systolic pressure was also significantly lower during the sleeping period.

In September 2017 the encouraging results from the blood pressure collaboration were published in the International Journal of Food Sciences and Nutrition.

The published study, titled 'Consumption of Fruitflow(R) lowers blood pressure in pre-hypertensive males: a randomised, placebo controlled, double blind, cross-over study' is expected to be a strong opportunity to promote Fruitflow(R) further across scientific, trade customer and consumer channels with a positive effect on current and future commercial negotiations for Fruitflow(R).

Intellectual property

The Company is responsible for filing and maintaining patents and trade marks for Fruitflow(R) as part of the Alliance Agreement with DSM. The Company is pursuing a strategy to strengthen the breadth and duration of its patent coverage to maximise the commercial returns that can be achieved from the technology. Trade marks were originally registered in the larger global territories, and new registrations are typically now sought in additional territories in response to requests from current or prospective DSM customers for Fruitflow(R).

In December 2013 British and international patent applications were filed for the use of Fruitflow(R) in mitigating exercise-induced inflammation and for promoting recovery from intense exercise, and as indicated above the patent was granted by the UK IPO on 3 May 2017. Patents are being sought in Europe, the US, China and ten other territories, with the patent application now having entered the national phase, with potential patent protection out to December 2033.

The Company's patent application for Fruit Extracts, relating to part of the production process for Fruitflow(R), was granted by the European Patent Office on 11 January 2017, with the patent application also now having entered the national phase across larger global territories, with potential patent protection out to November 2029.

The Company's patent application which was announced in December 2017, relating to the use of Fruitflow(R) in protecting against the adverse effects of air pollution on the body's cardiovascular system, brings potential patent protection out to 2036.

Crohn's disease intellectual property

The Group continues to maintain the Crohn's disease intellectual property registered in Provexis (IBD) Limited, a company which is 75% owned by Provexis plc and 25% owned by The University of Liverpool. The Group continues to investigate further options for the Crohn's disease project, seeking to maximise its value.

Capital structure and funding

The Company is seeking to maximise the commercial returns that can be achieved from its Fruitflow(R) technology, and the Company's cost base and its resources continue to be very tightly managed. The Company remains keen to minimise dilution to shareholders and it is focussed on moving into profitability as Fruitflow(R) revenues increase, but while the Company remains in a loss making position it will need to raise working capital on occasions, and the Company raised a gross GBP672k through a two stage placing in May and August 2017.

The Company highly values its private investor base and it was pleased to be able to provide private investors with an opportunity to participate in the August 2017 placing at 0.50 pence per share through the PrimaryBid.com platform; the placing received a strong response from investors via the platform.

The funds raised from these placings will be used to provide the Company with additional working capital to support its revenue growth plans over the coming years, they have also considerably strengthened the Group's balance sheet.

Outlook

We are pleased to be able to report on a period of significant progress for the Company, to include:

-- The encouraging increase in brand awareness and customer interest in Fruitflow(R) which the Company and DSM have seen in recent months, with the total projected annual sales value of the prospective sales pipeline for Fruitflow(R) now standing at a further new all-time high level;

-- The strategic collaboration agreement for Fruitflow(R) between DSM and Chinese listed BY-HEALTH, and the related announcement by the Company confirming that it had entered into an MOU with BY-HEALTH for a research and collaboration agreement for Fruitflow(R);

   --      The planned launch by BY-HEALTH of some Fruitflow(R) based products in the Chinese market; 

-- The patent application announced in December 2017 relating to the use of Fruitflow(R) in protecting against the adverse effects of air pollution on the body's cardiovascular system, with laboratory work showing that Fruitflow(R) can reduce the platelet activation caused by airborne particulate matter by approximately one third.

-- Encouraging progress with the Company's Fruitflow(R) + Omega-3 dietary supplement product, which is expected to provide the Company with an additional long term income and profit stream;

-- The planned formulation and launch of a Fruitflow(R) + nitrates dietary supplement product which will be supported by the Company's strong patent position in this area;

-- The publication of a Fruitflow(R) blood pressure study in the International Journal of Food Sciences and Nutrition, indicating that Fruitflow(R) significantly lowered blood pressure in the study subjects;

-- The strong support which the company has received from investors in relation to subscriptions to raise further working capital for the Company, to include a PrimaryBid.com element.

The Company expects that these strongly positive announcements and initiatives will have a beneficial effect on the current and future commercial prospects for Fruitflow(R). The Company is well placed to maximise the commercial opportunities arising from these developments for Fruitflow(R) and the Provexis business, and remains positive about the outlook for the business for the second half of the year and beyond.

Dawson Buck

Chairman

 
 Consolidated statement of 
  comprehensive income                       Unaudited      Unaudited     Audited 
 Six months ended 30 September 
  2017                                      six months     six months        year 
                                                 ended          ended       ended 
                                          30 September   30 September    31 March 
                                                  2017           2016        2017 
                                                   GBP            GBP         GBP 
                                  Notes 
-------------------------------  ------  -------------  -------------  ---------- 
 
 
 Revenue                                       124,259        123,456     227,618 
 Cost of goods                                (10,374)        (2,278)     (9,533) 
-------------------------------  ------  -------------  -------------  ---------- 
 Gross profit                                  113,885        121,178     218,085 
 
 Selling and distribution 
  costs                                       (11,349)        (2,929)    (11,333) 
 Research and development 
  costs                                       (76,285)       (53,092)   (187,163) 
 Administrative costs                        (221,687)      (205,441)   (446,010) 
 
 Underlying operating loss                   (152,700)      (127,685)   (382,287) 
 Share based payment charges                  (42,736)       (12,599)    (44,134) 
-------------------------------  ------  -------------  -------------  ---------- 
 
 Loss from operations                        (195,436)      (140,284)   (426,421) 
 
 Finance income                                    209            667         890 
 
 Loss before taxation                        (195,227)      (139,617)   (425,531) 
 
 Taxation                                        6,660          6,120      14,445 
 
 Loss and total comprehensive 
  expense for the period                     (188,567)      (133,497)   (411,086) 
---------------------------------------  -------------  -------------  ---------- 
 
 
 Attributable to: 
 Owners of the parent                        (173,926)      (119,161)   (380,087) 
 Non-controlling interests                    (14,641)       (14,336)    (30,999) 
 Loss and total comprehensive 
  expense for the period                     (188,567)      (133,497)   (411,086) 
---------------------------------------  -------------  -------------  ---------- 
 
 
 Loss per share to owners 
  of the parent 
 Basic and diluted - pence          3           (0.01)         (0.01)      (0.02) 
-------------------------------  ------  -------------  -------------  ---------- 
 
 
 
 Consolidated statement of 
  financial position                     Unaudited      Unaudited        Audited 
 30 September 2017                    30 September   30 September       31 March 
                                              2017           2016           2017 
                                               GBP            GBP            GBP 
-----------------------------------  -------------  -------------  ------------- 
 
 
 Assets 
 Current assets 
 Inventories                                22,070         39,705         32,450 
 Trade and other receivables                92,256        102,836         86,976 
 Corporation tax asset                      19,980         18,100         26,425 
 Cash and cash equivalents                 482,942        243,178         12,349 
 Total current assets                      617,248        403,819        158,200 
-----------------------------------  -------------  -------------  ------------- 
 
 Total assets                              617,248        403,819        158,200 
-----------------------------------  -------------  -------------  ------------- 
 
 Liabilities 
 Current liabilities 
 Trade and other payables                 (72,698)      (132,879)      (133,314) 
 Total current liabilities                (72,698)      (132,879)      (133,314) 
-----------------------------------  -------------  -------------  ------------- 
 
 Net current assets                        544,550        270,940         24,886 
-----------------------------------  -------------  -------------  ------------- 
 
 Total liabilities                        (72,698)      (132,879)      (133,314) 
-----------------------------------  -------------  -------------  ------------- 
 
 Total net assets                          544,550        270,940         24,886 
-----------------------------------  -------------  -------------  ------------- 
 
 
 Capital and reserves attributable 
  to 
 owners of the parent company 
 Share capital                           1,885,238      1,750,818      1,750,818 
 Share premium reserve                  17,179,546     16,648,471     16,648,471 
 Warrant reserve                            26,200         26,200         26,200 
 Merger reserve                          6,599,174      6,599,174      6,599,174 
 Retained earnings                    (24,693,179)   (24,332,598)   (24,561,989) 
-----------------------------------  -------------  -------------  ------------- 
                                           996,979        692,065        462,674 
 Non-controlling interest                (452,429)      (421,125)      (437,788) 
 Total equity                              544,550        270,940         24,886 
-----------------------------------  -------------  -------------  ------------- 
 
 
 Consolidated statement of cash 
  flows                                     Unaudited      Unaudited     Audited 
 30 September 2017                         six months     six months        year 
                                                ended          ended       ended 
                                         30 September   30 September    31 March 
                                                 2017           2016        2017 
                                                  GBP            GBP         GBP 
 
 
 
 Cash flows from operating activities 
 Loss after tax                             (188,567)      (133,497)   (411,086) 
 Adjustments for: 
 Profit on sale of fixed assets                     -              -     (3,000) 
 Finance income                                 (209)          (667)       (890) 
 Taxation                                     (6,660)        (6,120)    (14,445) 
 Share-based payment charge                    42,736         12,599      44,134 
 Changes in inventories                        10,380       (39,705)    (32,450) 
 Changes in trade and other 
  receivables                                 (5,075)       (53,232)    (37,540) 
 Changes in trade and other 

  payables                                   (60,616)         19,132      19,567 
 Total cash outflow from operations         (208,011)      (201,490)   (435,710) 
--------------------------------------  -------------  -------------  ---------- 
 
 Tax credits received                          13,105          5,408       5,408 
 Total cash outflow from operating 
  activities                                (194,906)      (196,082)   (430,302) 
--------------------------------------  -------------  -------------  ---------- 
 
 Cash flow from investing activities 
 Proceeds from sale of fixed 
  assets                                            -              -       3,000 
 Interest received                                  4            624       1,015 
 Total cash inflow from investing 
  activities                                        4            624       4,015 
--------------------------------------  -------------  -------------  ---------- 
 
 Cash flow from financing activities 
 Proceeds from issue of share 
  capital                                     665,495        249,000     249,000 
 Total cash inflow from financing 
  activities                                  665,495        249,000     249,000 
--------------------------------------  -------------  -------------  ---------- 
 
 Net increase / (decrease) in 
  cash and cash equivalents                   470,593         53,542   (177,287) 
 Opening cash and cash equivalents             12,349        189,636     189,636 
 Closing cash and cash equivalents            482,942        243,178      12,349 
--------------------------------------  -------------  -------------  ---------- 
 
 
 Consolidated 
 statement of 
 changes in                                                                            Total 
 equity               Share        Share   Warrant      Merger       Retained         equity           Non-       Total 
 30 September                                                                   attributable 
  2017                                                                             to owners    controlling 
                    capital      premium   reserve     reserve       earnings             of      interests      equity 
                                                                                         the 
                                                                                      parent 
 
                        GBP          GBP       GBP         GBP            GBP            GBP            GBP         GBP 
---------------  ----------  -----------  --------  ----------  -------------  -------------  -------------  ---------- 
 
 
 At 31 March 
  2016            1,647,068   16,503,221    26,200   6,599,174   (24,226,036)        549,627      (406,789)     142,838 
 
 Share-based 
  charges                 -            -         -           -         12,599         12,599              -      12,599 
 
 Issue of 
  shares 
  - placing 
  8 August 2016      93,333      130,667         -           -              -        224,000              -     224,000 
 
 Issue of 
  shares 
  - placing 
  22 September 
  2016               10,417       14,583         -           -              -         25,000              -      25,000 
 
 Total 
  comprehensive 
  expense for 
  the period              -            -         -           -      (119,161)      (119,161)       (14,336)   (133,497) 
 
 At 30 
  September 
  2016            1,750,818   16,648,471    26,200   6,599,174   (24,332,598)        692,065      (421,125)     270,940 
---------------  ----------  -----------  --------  ----------  -------------  -------------  -------------  ---------- 
 
 Share-based 
  charges                 -            -         -           -         31,535         31,535              -      31,535 
 
 Total 
  comprehensive 
  expense for 
  the period              -            -         -           -      (260,926)      (260,926)       (16,663)   (277,589) 
 
 At 31 March 
  2017            1,750,818   16,648,471    26,200   6,599,174   (24,561,989)        462,674      (437,788)      24,886 
---------------  ----------  -----------  --------  ----------  -------------  -------------  -------------  ---------- 
 
 Share-based 
  charges                 -            -         -           -         42,736         42,736              -      42,736 
 
 Issue of 
  shares 
  - placing 
  16 May 2017        70,000      280,000         -           -              -        350,000              -     350,000 
 
 Issue of 
  shares 
  - placing 
  4 August 2017      64,420      251,075         -           -              -        315,495              -     315,495 
 
 Total 
  comprehensive 
  expense for 
  the period              -            -         -           -      (173,926)      (173,926)       (14,641)   (188,567) 
 
 At 30 
  September 
  2017            1,885,238   17,179,546    26,200   6,599,174   (24,693,179)        996,979      (452,429)     544,550 
---------------  ----------  -----------  --------  ----------  -------------  -------------  -------------  ---------- 
 
 

1. General information, basis of preparation and accounting policies

General information

Provexis plc is a public limited company incorporated and domiciled in the United Kingdom (registration number 05102907). The address of the registered office is Prospect House, 58 Queens Road, Reading, Berkshire RG1 4RP, UK.

The main activities of the Group are those of developing and licensing the proprietary, scientifically-proven Fruitflow(R) heart-health functional food ingredient.

Basis of preparation

This condensed financial information has been prepared using accounting policies consistent with International Financial Reporting Standards in the European Union (IFRS).

The same accounting policies, presentation and methods of computation are followed in this condensed financial information as are applied in the Group's latest annual audited financial statements, except as set out below. While the financial figures included in this half-yearly report have been computed in accordance with IFRS applicable to interim periods, this half-yearly report does not contain sufficient information to constitute an interim financial report as that term is defined in IAS 34.

Use of non-GAAP profit measure - underlying operating profit

The directors believe that the operating loss before share based payments measure provides additional useful information for shareholders on underlying trends and performance. This measure is used for internal performance analysis. Underlying operating loss is not defined by IFRS and therefore may not be directly comparable with other companies' adjusted profit measures. It is not intended to be a substitute for, or superior to IFRS measurements of profit.

The interim financial information does not constitute statutory accounts as defined in section 434 of the Companies Act 2006 and has been neither audited nor reviewed by the Company's auditors Moore Stephens LLP pursuant to guidance issued by the Auditing Practices Board.

The results for the year ended 31 March 2017 are not statutory accounts. The statutory accounts for the last year ended 31 March 2017 were approved by the Board on 7 September 2017 and are filed at Companies House. The report of the auditors on those accounts was unqualified, did not draw attention to any matters by way of emphasis and did not contain a statement under section 498 of the Companies Act 2006.

The interim report for the six months ended 30 September 2017 can be downloaded from the Company's website www.provexis.com. Further copies of the interim report and copies of the 2017 annual report and accounts can be obtained by writing to the Company Secretary, Provexis plc, Prospect House, 58 Queens Road, Reading, Berkshire RG1 4RP, UK.

This announcement was approved by the Board of Provexis plc for release on 29 December 2017.

Going concern

The Directors are of the opinion that at 29 December 2017, the Group and Company's liquidity and capital resources are adequate to deliver the current strategic objectives and 2018 business plan and that the Group and Company remain a going concern.

Accounting policies

The accounting policies applied are consistent with those of the annual financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2017, as described in those annual financial statements.

2. Segmental reporting

The Directors have determined that only one operating segment exists under the terms of International Financial Reporting Standard 8 'Operating Segments', as the Group is organised and operates as a single business unit.

3. Earnings per share

Basic earnings per share amounts are calculated by dividing the profit attributable to owners of the parent by the weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue during the period.

The loss attributable to equity holders of the Company for the purpose of calculating the fully diluted loss per share is identical to that used for calculating the basic loss per share. The exercise of share options would have the effect of reducing the loss per share and is therefore anti-dilutive under the terms of IAS 33 'Earnings per Share'.

Basic and diluted loss per share amounts are in respect of all activities.

There were 151,617,620 share options in issue at 30 September 2017 (2016: 118,617,620) and 10,000,000 warrants (2016: 10,000,000) in issue that are currently anti-dilutive and have therefore been excluded from the calculations of the diluted loss per share.

 
                                         Unaudited       Unaudited         Audited 
                                        six months      six months            year 
                                             ended           ended           ended 
                                      30 September    30 September        31 March 
                                              2017            2016            2017 
 
 
 
 Loss for the period attributable 
  to owners of the parent 
  - GBP                                    173,926         119,161         380,087 
 
 Weighted average number 
  of shares                          1,823,287,791   1,674,554,508   1,712,581,870 
 
 Basic and diluted loss per 
  share - pence                               0.01            0.01            0.02 
----------------------------------  --------------  --------------  -------------- 
 

There have been no transactions involving ordinary shares between the reporting date and the date of approval of these financial statements which would significantly change the earnings per share calculations shown above.

4. Share capital

On 10 May 2017 the Group announced it had raised gross proceeds of GBP350,000 via the placing of 70,000,000 new ordinary shares of 0.1p each at a gross 0.50p per share with investors. The placing shares were admitted to AIM on 16 May 2017.

On 31 July 2017 the Group announced it had raised gross proceeds of GBP322,100 via the placing of 64,420,000 new ordinary shares of 0.1p each at a gross 0.50p per share with investors. The placing shares were admitted to AIM on 4 August 2017.

At 29 December 2017, the date of this announcement, the Company's issued share capital comprises 1,885,238,174 ordinary shares with voting rights. The Company does not hold any shares in treasury.

5. Cautionary statement

This document contains certain forward-looking statements with respect to the financial condition, results and operations of the business. These statements involve risk and uncertainty as they relate to events and depend on circumstances that will incur in the future. Nothing in this interim report should be construed as a profit forecast.

This information is provided by RNS

The company news service from the London Stock Exchange

END

IR PGGCUPUPMUMB

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

December 29, 2017 02:09 ET (07:09 GMT)