MEDIA RELEASE PR36246
US Patent Grant Extends VivaGel® Coverage to 2024
MELBOURNE, Sept. 22 /Medianet International-AsiaNet/ --
Starpharma Holdings Limited (ASX:SPL, OTCQX:SPHRY) today announced that it has received notification
of the grant in the US of a key patent specifically relating to the use of SPL7013 to protect against sexually
transmitted infections (STIs).
The granting of this patent means that any product presentation of SPL7013 (the active ingredient in
VivaGel® ) is now protected in the US for an additional five years until 2024, with a possible further 12 month
extension to 2025. Given the importance of genital herpes and other STIs in the US, this market is clearly a
major commercial opportunity for VivaGel® products.
This composition of matter patent is the third patent for VivaGel® to be granted in the US, and adds to the
already extensive patent coverage for the product in 26 countries covering all major markets.
VivaGel® is being developed as a condom coating in collaboration with SSL International plc (LSE:SSL), the
world's leading condom company. SSL markets the global brand Durex®, and holds approximately 40% of the
global branded condom market. Following a deal announced in 2008, SSL has exclusive marketing rights for
the VivaGel® coated condom.
Starpharma is also developing VivaGel® as a vaginal microbicide to prevent the transmission of STIs,
including HIV and genital herpes.
About Starpharma
Starpharma Holdings Limited (ASX:SPL, OTCQX:SPHRY) is a world leader in the development of dendrimer
nanotechnology for pharmaceutical, life-science and other applications. SPL has two operating companies,
Starpharma Pty Ltd in Melbourne, Australia and DNT, Inc in the USA.
The Company's lead pharmaceutical development product is VivaGel® (SPL7013 Gel), a vaginal
microbicide designed to prevent the transmission of STIs, including HIV and genital herpes. In September
2008 Starpharma signed a full licence agreement with SSL International plc (LSE:SSL) to develop a VivaGel®
coated condom. Starpharma's receipts under the agreement are estimated to exceed A$100m comprising
royalties on SSL sales, further milestone payments, and development support.
For further information:
Media:
Buchan Consulting
Rebecca Wilson
Tel: +61 3 9866 4722
Mob: +61 417 382 391
rwilson@bcg.com.au
Ellie Papathanasiou
Tel: +61 2 9237 2800
epapathanasiou@bcg.com.au
Starpharma:
Dr Jackie Fairley
Chief Executive Officer
+61 3 8532 2704
Ben Rogers
Company Secretary
+61 3 8532 2702
ben.rogers@starpharma.com
SOURCE: Starpharma Holdings
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