- Starpharma’s (SPL) antiviral agent achieves up to 99.7 per cent reduction in viral activity against two types of influenzas virus
- The company’s antiviral agent in its VIRALEZE nasal spray achieved a 95 per cent and 99.7 per cent reduction in viral infectivity against influenza virus A and B, respectively
- The tests were conducted at the Scripps Research Institute in the US, where researchers assessed the irreversible nature of the effect of the compound against viruses
- VIRALEZE is currently registered in more than 30 countries, but Starpharma says it will continue to pursue registration of the product in multiple other markets
- Starpharma shares last traded at 80 cents at 10:40 am AEST
Starpharma’s (SPL) antiviral agent has achieved up to 99.7 per cent reduction in viral activity against two types of influenzas virus.
SPL7013, the antiviral agent found in the company’s VIRALEZE nasal spray, achieved a 95 per cent and 99.7 per cent reduction in viral infectivity against influenza virus A and B in virucidal assays within five minutes, respectively.
The assays come with a maximal possible reduction of virus infectivity of 96 per cent for influenza A and 99.8 per cent for influenza B.
The tests were conducted at the Scripps Research Institute in the US, where researchers assessed the irreversible nature of the effect of the compound against viruses.
In addition to testing SPL7013, Scripps assessed the activity of two antiviral agents used in widely available nasal sprays, hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose (HPMC) and iota-carrageenan. In contrast to the rapid effect of SPL7013, HPMC and iota-carrageenan did not exhibit virucidal effect in this experiment, even after 30 minutes
The new findings are said to be consistent with the previously reported activity of the new agent against multiple variants of SARS-CoV-2, including Delta, Alpha, Beta, Gamma and Omicron, as well as other respiratory viruses that cause the common cold.
The antiviral activity of SPL7013 has also previously been shown to demonstrate antiviral activity against Swine Flu and Avian Flu.
Starpharma said the broad-spectrum antiviral and virucidal activity of SPL7013 highlights the opportunities for VIRALEZE in combatting seasonal flu epidemics, and being prepared for future pandemics.
“Starpharma is pleased to share these new results in influenza for SPL7013, the agent in VIRALEZE,” CEO Dr Jackie Fairley said.
“Of particular note is the superior performance of SPL7013, which demonstrated highly potent and rapid virucidal activity in influenza A and B compared to other antiviral agents used in widely available nasal sprays.”
VIRALEZE is currently registered in more than 30 countries, but Starpharma said it will continue to pursue registration of the product in multiple other markets.
Starpharma shares last traded at 80 cents at 10:40 am AEST.