York-based OptiBiotix Health plc, a life sciences business developing products which reduce hunger and food cravings, said its shares have been approved to trade on the OTCQB Venture Market in the United States.

“Trading on the OTCQB market will not impact on existing ordinary shares admitted to trading on the AIM Market of the London Stock Exchange and no new ordinary shares were issued through this process,” said the York firm.

“The company will continue to make all announcements and disclosures to the London Stock Exchange through the Regulatory News Service and is not subject to any Sarbanes-Oxley or US Securities and Exchange Commission reporting requirements.

“OTCQB is provided through OTC Markets Group Inc, located in New York.

“OTC Markets operates the world’s largest electronic interdealer quotation system for US broker dealers and offers multiple media channels to increase the visibility of OTC-listed companies.

“OTCQB is a well-established market designed to provide enhanced visibility and liquidity for international companies seeking to broaden their U.S. investor base.

“Independent studies show that trading on the OTC by an international company offers a positive effect on the liquidity of its shares.”

OptiBiotix Health CEO Stephen O’Hara said: “OptiBiotix is building its consumer presence in the USA as shown by the recent launch of its appetite reducing SlimBiome¨ in Hydroxycut, the No. 1 selling weight loss supplement brand in the USA.

“This follows on from launches earlier this year with new US partners such as NHT and Daily Nouri.

“As we increase our brand presence in the USA the Board believe joining the OTCQB Market will help increase our visibility to the US investment community, broadening our shareholder base and improving liquidity.”