Australian biotech firm Starpharma announced that its VIRALEZE antiviral nasal spray has been successfully registered for sale in Europe, including in the UK.
VIRALEZE is an easy to use antiviral nasal spray, which has been shown in laboratory studies to rapidly inactivate a broad spectrum of respiratory viruses, including >99.9% of coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19).
Starpharma said in a statement that the registration allows for the marketing of VIRALEZE across the European Economic Area (EEA), which includes the 27 countries of the EU, the UK, plus the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) countries, with a combined population of approximately 520 million.
According to the company, the European launch of VIRALEZE is on track and the product is expected to be available for sale online, direct to European and UK consumers next month.
Dr Jackie Fairley, CEO of Starpharma, said preparations for launch are well advanced with the manufacture of launch batches underway.
She said a roll-out of VIRALEZE to European pharmacies is planned, adding that the company is also in discussions with B2B customers (e.g. aged care, health care, travel providers, etc.), as well as with potential commercial partners seeking sales and marketing rights.
“Starpharma is pleased to have successfully developed a product that has the potential to assist with the fight against the global COVID-19 pandemic,” Dr Fairley stated.
“We are delighted to have completed registration of VIRALEZE in the UK and Europe ahead of our original schedule and acknowledge the support of local and international specialist laboratories who have assisted Starpharma with the development of VIRALEZE.
“We have already undertaken substantial launch preparations, including manufacturing in Europe, to ensure VIRALEZE is available to consumers and businesses as early as possible. Starpharma is focussed on making the product as widely available as possible, with further registrations and roll-out planned.”
She said a consumer research conducted with the Boston Consulting Group showed that VIRALEZE has strong appeal for European consumers across all age groups.
“The spray is easy to use and convenient – and works rapidly, without being absorbed into the bloodstream,” Dr Fairley continued.
“If you are about to walk into the supermarket, you would use it. The same is true for public transport, elevators, planes, bars and restaurants.”
