• Starpharma has achieved regulatory approval for its antiviral nasal spray product, VIRALEZE™, in Malaysia
• Starpharma is progressing discussions with potential commercial partners in Malaysia, with the view of distributing VIRALEZE™ through local retail outlets including pharmacies

Melbourne, Australia; 5 June 2023: Starpharma (ASX: SPL, OTCQX: SPHRY) today announces that it has achieved regulatory approval for its antiviral nasal spray product, VIRALEZE™, in Malaysia. The registration will allow Starpharma and its commercial partners to market and sell the product in Malaysia, a country with a population of over 33 million.

VIRALEZE™ has been well received in Asia to date, following successful launches of the product locally in Vietnam, Hong Kong and Macau. Starpharma continues discussions with potential commercial partners in Malaysia as well as other parts of Asia and countries across the world.

VIRALEZE™ is a nasal spray that works by physically trapping and blocking cold/respiratory viruses in the nasal cavity. Multiple nonclinical studies have shown that VIRALEZE™ traps and blocks a broad spectrum of respiratory viruses, including human coronaviruses, influenza viruses, rhinoviruses, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Starpharma is also currently conducting a post-market clinical study of VIRALEZE™ in people with COVID-19. The clinical study, which will examine the antiviral activity and ability of VIRALEZE™ to reduce viral load over a 7-day period, is underway in the United Kingdom and has recruited more than 80% of the target number of participants to date.

Starpharma now has registrations for VIRALEZE™ nasal spray covering more than 35 countries, including Europe and the U.K., and has made the product available in pharmacies, retail outlets and online in certain markets.

Dr Jackie Fairley, CEO of Starpharma, commented: “Starpharma is pleased to have added another Asian market to the growing list of countries where VIRALEZE™ nasal spray is registered, having now completed the approval process for VIRALEZE™ in Malaysia. VIRALEZE™ will be available immediately to consumers in Malaysia through an online webstore and Starpharma also plans to make the product available locally through retail outlets, including pharmacies, as it is in Vietnam, Hong Kong, Macau, U.K., and Italy. We are encouraged by the positive uptake of VIRALEZE™ in Asia and look forward to launching the product in Malaysia as soon as practicable.”

VIRALEZE^™ Nasal Spray

VIRALEZE™ is a nasal spray that physically traps and blocks cold/respiratory viruses in the nasal cavity. VIRALEZE™ is applied in the nose where it forms a physical moisture barrier between viruses and the nasal mucous membrane that traps and blocks virus.

Starpharma now has registrations for VIRALEZE™ nasal spray covering more than 35 countries, including Europe and the U.K., and has made the product available in pharmacies, retail outlets and online in certain markets. Product claims may differ by market. Starpharma markets VIRALEZE™ via commercial arrangements in countries in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. VIRALEZE™ is not approved for use or supply in Australia.

This announcement is intended for investors and market participants only. VIRALEZE™ is not approved for use or supply in Australia.

View or download the ASX Announcement (PDF) here.