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  • Starpharma (SPL) has announced its Viraleze antiviral nasal spray will be ready for distribution in early 2021
  • The potent antiviral, formally known as SPL7013, eradicates 99 per cent of SARS-CoV-2, the virus behind COVID-19
  • The product’s EU regulatory dossier is 90 per cent complete and expected to undergo clinical trials and manufacture in January next year
  • Viraleze will be marketed as a preventative against the coronavirus and other respiratory viruses such as influenza and respiratory syncytial virus
  • Starpharma says the timing is earlier than previously announced and its pre-launch commercial activities are well underway to ensure faster entry to the market
  • SPL shares are up a solid 14.2 per cent this morning, trading at $1.49 each

Starpharma (SPL) has announced its Viraleze antiviral nasal spray will be ready for distribution in early 2021.

The potent antiviral, formally known as SPL7013, eradicates 99 per cent of SARS-CoV-2, the virus behind COVID-19.

The product’s EU regulatory dossier is 90 per cent complete and expected to undergo clinical trials and manufacture in January next year. Europe will be the first geographic region to access Viraleze.

Viraleze will be marketed as a preventative against the coronavirus and other respiratory viruses such as influenza and respiratory syncytial virus.

Antiviral SPL7013 is approved in more than 40 countries and for markets in the U.K., Europe, Asia, Australia, and New Zealand.

According to Starpharma, the product is complementary to the COVID-19 vaccine in further reducing risk of infection.

The race to produce and distribute COVID-19 vaccines is well underway, with the U.K. already rolling out its first round of vaccines.

Starpharma says the timing is earlier than previously announced and its pre-launch commercial activities are well underway to ensure faster entry to the market.

Viraleze achieved favourable market research outcomes — 1500 consumers describe the product as ‘highly appealing’ and would use the product in a wide range of public settings.

Starpharama has interpreted this data as high purchase intent, particularly in millennial demographics.

Starpharma Chief Executive Dr Jackie Fairley says Viraleze has the ability to restore confidence and encourage people to resume everyday professional and recreational activities.

“Even after a vaccine becomes widely available, social distancing, PPE and other measures will continue to be important and Viraleze compliments other prevention strategies, including vaccines,” she commented.

SPL shares are up a solid 14.2 per cent this morning, trading at $1.49 each at 9:50 am AEDT.

SPL by the numbers
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