HEALTH chiefs say the success of one Liverpool enterprise shows there is a need and a market for the BioCampus.

MerseyBIO, on Crown Street, which is owned by the University of Liverpool, gives small pharmaceutical companies space and facilities to operate.

One of its success stories is Provexis, a life sciences company that works with researchers in the city.

It has contributed directly to clinical trials in the city, and is currently valued at £40m.

Provexis discovers, develops and licenses scientifically- proven food supplements.

Its first product, Fruitflow, has anti-thrombotic properties and helps to prevent heart attacks and strokes.

The company is now in discussions with other businesses over adding Fruitflow into yoghurts and drinks.

Provexis worked with Professor Rhodes, consultant gastroenterologist at the Royal, to investigate how a plantain extract could help manage inflammatory bowel disease, specifically Crohn’s disease.

A clinical trial is currently under way.

The company is also looking at potential ways to use it to prevent hospital super bug C difficile.