- Starpharma (SPL) pens an exclusive three-month deal to supply its VIRALEZE antiviral nasal spray in Vietnam, with 100,000 units due for delivery early next month
- Vietnam is experiencing a widespread outbreak of the COVID-19 Delta variant and lab studies have shown the spray can inactivate 99.9 per cent of the infectious strain
- SPL is finalising an ongoing distribution agreement that will allow for larger orders and the continued supply of VIRALEZE to Vietnam going forward
- Company shares are up 3.24 per cent to trade at $1.12 each at 2:34 pm AEDT
Starpharma (SPL) has penned an initial deal to distribute and supply its VIRALEZE antiviral nasal spray in Vietnam.
The Southeast Asian country, which is home to around 97 million people, is battling a widespread outbreak of the COVID-19 Delta strain, with just 20 per cent of the population fully vaccinated.
According to SPL, VIRALEZE has been shown to have potent antiviral and virucidal activity on viruses, including SARS-CoV-2. In particular, it says laboratory studies have shown the spray can inactivate 99.9 per cent of the infectious Delta variant.
So far, Starpharma has received orders for around 100,000 units of the nasal spray, which it is due to deliver in early November under the initial three-month deal.
The distribution arrangements will involve Healthco Australia, with Truong Bao Land International Investment Company responsible for importation, sales, marketing and distribution in Vietnam.
A portion of the orders will be donated to Vietnam’s hospitals and health centres.
Concurrently, SPL is finalising a separate, ongoing distribution agreement that will allow for larger orders and the ongoing supply of VIRALEZE to Vietnam going forward.
Starpharma’s CEO Jackie Fairley commented on the news.
“We are very pleased to be able to make VIRALEZE available to Vietnamese consumers and frontline workers next month, especially given the current Delta outbreak and vaccination rates in Vietnam,” Dr Fairley said.
“This supply contract is one of a number of international commercial arrangements for VIRALEZE being negotiated by Starpharma and we look forward to making further announcements about those soon.”
The registration of VIRALEZE in Vietnam is reportedly well advanced with full registration expected in the coming weeks. It is also registered in Europe and India.
The product is partnered with LloydsPharmacy in the UK and ADMENTA Italia Group in Italy, with SPL in advanced discussions with potential commercial partners elsewhere in Europe, Asia, India and other regions.
VIRALEZE is not registered for sale or supply in Australia.
Company shares were up 3.24 per cent, trading at $1.12 each at 2:34 pm AEDT.