- Starpharma (SPL) has confirmed that its SPL7013 drug has potent antiviral activity against the U.K. SARS-CoV-2 variant
- In laboratory studies, SPL7013 achieved a reduction of more than 98 per cent against the virus
- SPL7013 is a key component of Starpharma’s VIRALEZE nasal spray which has been known to eradicate 99.9 per cent of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19
- It works by slowing down the infection of host cells and blocking the interaction between viral surface proteins and human cell receptor proteins
- Starpharma is now pursuing avenues to provide rapid access to VIRALEZE in countries where recent outbreaks have occurred
- Shares in Starpharma are up a slight 1.13 per cent and are trading at $1.80
Starpharma (SPL) has confirmed that its SPL7013 drug has potent antiviral activity against the U.K. SARS-CoV-2 variant.
In laboratory studies, SPL7013 achieved a reduction of more than 98 per cent against the virus.
This is a significant reduction as the U.K. strain is classified as a ‘variant of concern’ by the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC).
SPL7013 is a key component of Starpharma’s VIRALEZE nasal spray which has been known to eradicate 99.9 per cent of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19.
It works by slowing down the infection of host cells when applied to cells before and after exposure to the virus.
From there, it blocks the interaction between viral surface proteins and human cell receptor proteins.
Starpharma is now in the process of testing SPL7013 against the Japan/Brazil and South African variants.
Furthermore, the India variant will be tested when the permits are received.
“Given the constantly evolving public health challenges presented by SARS-CoV-2 variants, we are delighted to see that VIRALEZE retains potent activity against the important U.K. variant,” CEO Dr Jackie Fairley said.
“SPL7013 has consistently shown high levels of antiviral activity, not only against multiple COVID-19 variants, but also against a broad spectrum of other respiratory viruses, including influenza, making VIRALEZE an ideal product to use alongside vaccines and other measures,” she added.
Starpharma is now pursuing avenues to provide rapid access to VIRALEZE in countries where recent outbreaks have occurred.
Shares in Starpharma are down a slight 0.28 per cent and are trading at $1.77 at 12:14 pm AEST.