Melbourne - Starpharma (ASX: SPL, OTCQX: SPHRY) today announces new data from The Scripps Research Institute in the US and other specialist laboratories on the activity of SPL7013 against important respiratory viruses, including those responsible for past pandemics.
This new data further confirms the broad spectrum antiviral properties of SPL7013 (VIRALEZE active), with SPL7013 blocking the spike protein of two additional important pandemic causing coronaviruses, SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV.
Testing also confirmed antiviral activity against a further European isolate of SARS-CoV-2 (Slovakia/SK-BMC5/2020) and an influenza virus subtype, H3N2.
Both SARS and MERS are caused by respiratory coronaviruses, and outbreaks of these viruses resulted in pandemics with significant mortality. There are no vaccines for either of these viruses. These viruses are in addition to those previously identified for SPL7013 (VIRALEZE active), including SARS-CoV-2, the coronavirus that causes COVID-19[1], respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and influenza virus subtype, H1N1 or 'Swine Flu'.
Based on the activity of SPL7013 (VIRALEZE active) against different isolates of SARS-CoV-2 (Australia, USA, Europe), multiple other viruses, including drug-resistant strains, the product is expected to retain activity against the important SARS-CoV-2 strains being reported in the UK, South Africa and elsewhere.
SPL7013 has been shown to be virucidal, rapidly inactivating >99.9% of SARS-CoV-2 within 60 seconds. VIRALEZE has been registered for sale in Europe, including in the UK, and is on track for launch this quarter.
The impact of the current COVID-19 pandemic has triggered an increased focus by Governments and health authorities to ensure greater preparedness for future pandemics. The increasingly broad spectrum of antiviral activity of SPL7013 (VIRALEZE active), which includes all of the pandemic-causing respiratory viruses, broadens the opportunities for SPL7013, as Governments around the world seek access to preventative solutions, such as stockpiling of broad spectrum antiviral agents. The excellent stability of SPL7013 and room temperature storage of VIRALEZE are also significant advantages in this setting.
Dr Jackie Fairley, CEO of Starpharma, commented: 'The increasingly broad spectrum of antiviral activity for SPL7013, including against SARS, MERS and influenza virus subtype, H3N2, further adds to the appeal for VIRALEZE. Given this, the product also has the benefit of likely utility in future viral pandemics. Leading medical experts, including Dr Anthony Fauci, agree that further viral pandemics are almost certain, and preparedness for these will be an increased focus for Governments and health organisations around the world[2].'
About Starpharma
Starpharma Holdings Limited (ASX:SPL, OTCQX:SPHRY) is a global biopharmaceutical company and a world leader in the development of new pharmaceutical and medical products based on proprietary polymers called dendrimers, with programs for COVID-19, DEP drug delivery and VivaGel. Starpharma has developed VIRALEZE, an antiviral nasal spray for COVID-19, which is complementary to vaccines and other preventative measures such as distancing and PPE. VIRALEZE is registered for sale in the UK/Europe, with launch of product expected in Q1 CY2021. SPL7013 is utilised in approved products - the VivaGel condom and VivaGel BV. VivaGel BV has been licensed in >160 countries, is approved in >40 countries and available for sale in the UK, Europe, Japan, South East Asia, Australia and New Zealand.
As a leading company in dendrimer based drug delivery, Starpharma's proprietary drug delivery platform technology, DEP, is being used to improve pharmaceuticals, to reduce toxicities and enhance their performance. There are numerous internal and partnered programs underway to develop DEP versions of existing drugs, particularly in the area of anti-cancer therapies. DEP partnerships include oncology programs with AstraZeneca, with Merck in the area of Antibody Drug Conjugates (ADCs), with Chase Sun in the area of anti-infectives and other world leading pharmaceutical companies Starpharma's partnered DEP programs have the potential to generate significant future milestones and royalties
Contact:
Grant Titmus
Tel: +61 419 388 161
Email: grant@sumitmedia.com.au
Forward Looking Statements
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