Alltracel, an AIM-listed pharmaceutical company that specialises in consumer wound care, oral care and heart health products, yesterday released the results of what it hopes was the penultimate pre-clinical trial of one of its cardiovascular products.

The company said the tests, which took place over six months in the Czech Republic, found that when combined with a cholesterol-reducing statin, the product under examination - an ingredient that can be added to food or turned into a drug - was successful in cleaning away coronary plaque from the arteries. It also reduced levels of so-called bad cholesterol and reduced inflammation.

Keith Rael, Alltracel's chief scientific officer, welcomed the outcome of the trial and said the company would now apply for permission to conduct another human trial.

If all goes to plan, it will seek regulatory approval to bring the product to market in 2007, he said, adding that it would probably target the United States market first.

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the US.

Alltracel is seeking to tap into what could be a very lucrative market in the future. With obesity levels increasing around the world, the demand for cholesterol-reducing products is predicted to increase as doctors attempt to reverse people's health problems with dietary changes before prescribing drugs. According to Mr Rael, Alltracel's new product would work well as part of a change of diet or as a medicine.

Alltracel shares rose 5 per cent, to end the day at 11.13 pence in London.