Melbourne, Australia – Starpharma Holdings Ltd (ASX:SPL; OTCQX:SPHRY) today announced that the Company’s clinical-stage dendrimer SPL7013 has shown potent antiviral effect against adenovirus, the agent responsible for the majority of viral conjunctivitis cases.  Based on feedback from potential partners and clinicians this opportunity is being advanced in parallel with further commercial discussions.

Adenovirus is the most common cause of viral conjunctivitis, a condition for which there is no known cure.  Based on the results of various pre-clinical studies already undertaken by Starpharma, the company believes SPL7013 (the active in VivaGel^®) has the potential to be a first-in-class anti-viral agent for viral conjunctivitis.

“The results of our studies assessing SPL7013 against adenovirus are very positive and further broaden the potential commercial applications of this dendrimer which also has potent activity against the HIV, HPV and Herpes (HSV) viruses,” said Starpharma chief executive officer Dr Jackie Fairley.

“Furthermore, feedback from potential partners and clinicians on this opportunity has been very encouraging.  Viral conjunctivitis can be a serious and painful condition, and today clinicians are without antiviral therapeutic options.”

SPL7013 has been found to be effective across a range of relevant adenovirus strains, at levels of efficacy that support the development of a therapeutic product targeting viral conjunctivitis.  Starpharma has undertaken some initial formulation work for this product, as well as other activities to support the next round of interactions with potential commercial partners.

The bacterial conjunctivitis market is estimated to be in excess of a billion dollars annually. However there is currently no antiviral therapy available for viral conjunctivitis.  It has been estimated that a global market of US$700m exists for effective viral conjunctivitis treatments.

“The attractiveness of this product opportunity is significantly enhanced by the advanced stage of development of SPL7013 as VivaGel^® for other indications,” Dr Fairley added.  “We have already compiled a very extensive NDA data package around the pharmacology, toxicology and manufacture of VivaGel^® which would minimise incremental costs, expedite the development path for this product and increase its appeal to commercial partners.”

Adenovirus conjunctivitis is highly contagious, painful, and can lead to serious complications including damage to vision.  It is responsible for a significant proportion of all infectious conjunctivitis

Starpharma also continues to advance VivaGel^® for bacterial vaginosis applications, following positive Phase 2 results last month.  Planning is now underway for the Phase 3 clinical trials for the prevention of recurrence indication of VivaGel^® and the opportunity for symptomatic relief continues to be actively explored.  The patented antimicrobial dendrimer has also been licensed to Ansell and Okamoto Industries as a condom coating and is currently under regulatory review in this product format.

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