Starpharma today announced that its proprietary VivaGel^® active, astodrimer sodium (SPL7013), has been shown in laboratory studies to have significant antiviral activity against the coronavirus that causes COVID-19 (coronavirus disease). SPL7013 inhibited the infection of cells with the SARS-CoV-2 virus and the finding was validated by replicate testing against a positive control compound, remdesivir (Gilead), which is considered a leading candidate for the treatment of COVID-19. The finding was also significant given that SPL7013 was reported to be the best performing test compound against SARS-CoV-2 in the laboratory’s assay to date. With these positive results, Starpharma is evaluating product concepts and formulation options for SPL7013, which may have potential applications in the prevention and management of COVID-19.

Starpharma today released its Appendix 4C – Quarterly Cashflow Report for the period ended 31 March 2020.

Starpharma’s cash balance as at 31 March 2020 was $36.1 million, an increase of $0.2 million compared to the previous quarter’s cash balance. Net operating cash outflows for the quarter were $0.9 million, or $6.0 million for the nine months to 31 March 2020. Starpharma’s strong cash reserves and clean balance sheet places the Company in a strong position to continue to progress its commercial and R&D activities in the current uncertain global environment of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Starpharma continues to closely monitor the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact.

Starpharma 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 China market.

Starpharma today announced that Mr David McIntyre has commenced as an independent non-executive director of Starpharma, effective 1 March. Mr McIntyre’s appointment follows a comprehensive Board renewal and search process. As advised at the Company’s last AGM, Mr Richard Hazleton will be retiring at the 2020 AGM in November, having served 13 years on the Company’s Board. The timing of Mr McIntyre’s appointment enables a smooth transition and handover between directors.

Starpharma today released its interim report and financial results for the half-year ended 31 December 2019.

Biotech Dispatch reported that AstraZeneca has paid Starpharma a $4.5 million milestone payment following the successful dosing of the first patient in the phase 1 clinical trial of AZD0466. The article mentioned the long standing partnership between the two companies which is focused on using Starpharma’s DEP® drug delivery platform to enhance AstraZeneca’s medicines.

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The Motley Fool reported a rise in Starpharma’s share price off the back of the announcement that its VivaGel® BV product will be launched in Asia by Mundipharma. The article highlighted that the deal is an important commercial opportunity for Starpharma with the product set to be accessible to more than 1.5 billion women.

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Starpharma today announced that VivaGel^® BV has been launched in Asia under the brand name BETADINE^TM BV Gel. The product has initially been launched in South East Asia, with further roll-out in additional Asian countries, as regulatory approvals are granted.  

BETADINE^TM BV Gel will be available over-the-counter (OTC), without the need to see a doctor or obtain a prescription. Asia is the third region to launch VivaGel^® BV and represents a large commercial opportunity with access to more than 1.5 billion women.

The Board of Starpharma is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr David McIntyre as an independent non-executive director, effective 1 March 2020.