Management at plant medicine pioneers Oxford Natural Products have sealed a deal with a similar firm in Vietnam.

The Charlbury-based firm has linked up with Thanh Thao Traditional Medicines Company to develop a range of herbal remedies for everyday use in England.

ONP's chief executive Christian Hoyer Millar said: "Vietnam has a strong results-driven success record when it comes to scientific investigation and clinical validation of the efficacy of traditional medicines.

"Traditional medicines are an important part of Vietnamese healthcare.

"We expect this exclusive access to provide our product pipeline with an expanding portfolio of new phtyo-pharmaceutical products."

ONP's research committee is exploring which medicines would be suitable for development in western markets.

Medicines under consideration include those designed to reduce cholestrol and protect against liver disease.

Those products selected will be fast-tracked towards commercial use and ONP will ensure that the standards set by the the regulatory authorities are met.

ONP, founded in 1998, is expanding and recently moved to new offices at Cornbury Park.

It has four botanical products under development and a further five under evaluation.

Clinical trials are under way and the first results are expected within 12 months.