Melbourne, Australia; 4 March 2020: Starpharma (ASX: SPL, OTCQX: SPHRY) today announced that following the successful launch of the VivaGel^® antiviral condom by Okamoto Industries, Inc. (TYO: 5122:JP; Okamoto) in Japan, Okamoto has sought an expansion to its licence territory for the VivaGel^® condom. As a result, Starpharma has granted Okamoto marketing rights to a further 11 countries in Asia which include South Korea, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore and the non-government[1] China market.

Okamoto holds strong condom market positions in the region, with a number 1 or 2 ranking in several of the relevant Asian countries. Okamoto has revenue of approximately US$1 billion with more than 2,600 employees and is Japan’s leading marketer of condoms. 

Under this licence Starpharma will be eligible to receive royalties on sales of the VivaGel^® condom and will also receive revenue on supply of SPL7013 active. Okamoto will be responsible for regulatory submissions, marketing and other related costs. The license also incorporates development and launch obligations for Okamoto.

Commenting on the expanded licence, Starpharma CEO Dr Jackie Fairley said: “Following the Japanese launch of VivaGel^® antiviral condom under Okamoto’s highly successful Zero Zero Three (003) brand, we are pleased that Okamoto has sought an expansion of its licence to a further 11 countries in Asia. Okamoto has an outstanding product portfolio and leading market positions in a number of these countries across the Asian region. We’re excited to continue building our relationship with Okamoto and bringing this highly innovative product to additional Asian markets as soon as possible.”

Okamoto’s senior managing director, Mr. Kunihiko Okamoto said, “We are pleased with the launch of the VivaGel^® Zero Zero Three (003) condom in Japan and are excited to be expanding our licence for this innovative product into these other important Asian markets. We look forward to expanding our relationship with Starpharma for this innovative product.”

LifeStyles has marketing rights to the VivaGel^® condom in a number of markets, including Europe, Australia and Canada under LifeStyles Dual Protect^® brand in Australia and Canada, and Absolute™ DUAL PROTECTION brand in Europe.

About the VivaGel^® antiviral condom

The VivaGel^® antiviral condom is a world-first product based on innovative Australian technology. It is the only condom of its type, providing barrier protection and incorporating the proprietary compound, astodrimer sodium (SPL7013, VivaGel^®) in the condom lubricant. SPL7013 has been proven in laboratory studies to inactivate up to 99.9% of HIV, HSV and HPV. The product has received regulatory approval in Japan, Europe, Canada and Australia.

Download ASX Announcement: Okamoto licenses VivaGel® antiviral condom in Asian countries (pdf file, 55kb)

[1] Starpharma has granted rights to the VivaGel^® condom in the Chinese Government market to Shenyang Sky & Land Latex co., Ltd.