Melbourne, Australia; Starpharma (ASX:SPL, OTCQX:SPHRY) today announced the inclusion of the VivaGel® condom in the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG), the final step ahead of market launch in Australia.

Starpharma’s partner in innovating and bringing this product to market, Ansell (ASX:ANN), has made the necessary preparations, including manufacture of launch supplies, and will launch the VivaGel® condom under the LifeStyles® Dual Protect™ name in Australian retail outlets, including Woolworths stores around the country, during October.

The VivaGel® condom is a world-first product based on innovative Australian technology. It is the only condom of its type, providing barrier protection and also incorporating an antiviral compound (VivaGel®) in the lubricant. Australian consumers will be the first globally to access this innovative product discovered and developed in Australia.

LifeStyles® Dual Protect™ condoms will carry the VivaGel® brand and Starpharma will receive royalties based on sales.

Starpharma Chief Executive Officer, Dr Jackie Fairley, said: “We are pleased to achieve this final milestone ahead of launch. We have been working closely with Ansell on the preparations for product rollout and both companies look forward to seeing the VivaGel® condom on Australian retail shelves in the coming weeks.

“Following certification of the VivaGel® condom by the TGA, there was extensive global media coverage and strong commercial and consumer interest in the product. The reaction on social media was quite extraordinary with the product reaching an audience of more than 10 million in the days following the announcement through extensive positive social media commentary. This overwhelmingly positive sentiment is in keeping with the strong consumer appeal identified in formal market research.

“The launch of the LifeStyles® Dual Protect™ condom will represent the first marketed product for Starpharma’s VivaGel® franchise, and the first of three women’s health and sexual wellness VivaGel® products that are in various advanced stages of development and commercialisation” she said.

Ansell VP of Sales and Marketing for Asia Pacific, Chris Kalaitzis, said: “Ansell is already in the advanced stages of launch preparation and looks forward to the imminent launch of this innovative product, with LifeStyles® Dual Protect™ condoms expected on retail shelves in Australia in October.”

LifeStyles® Dual Protect™ condoms are lubricated with VivaGel® lubricant, which contains the patented antiviral agent, astodrimer sodium (referred to as VivaGel®).

VivaGel® is an antiviral compound that has been shown in laboratory studies to achieve viral inactivation rates of up to 99.9%.

As well as appearing on retail shelves, Ansell will also promote the LifeStyles® Dual Protect™ condoms on its website. For further details go to http://www.ansellcondoms.com.au/

LifeStyles® and Dual Protect™ are trademarks owned by Ansell Limited or one of its affiliates.

VivaGel® is a registered trademark owned by Starpharma Pty Ltd.

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