STARPHARMA (SPHRY)

[flemsnopes]

US Patent Grant Extends VivaGel(R) Coverage to 2024



MELBOURNE, Australia, Sept. 22 /PRNewswire/ -- Starpharma Holdings Limited (ASX: SPL) today announced that it has received notification of the grant in the US of a key patent specifically relating to the use of SPL7013 to protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

The granting of this patent means that any product presentation of SPL7013 (the active ingredient in VivaGel(R) ) is now protected in the US for an additional five years until 2024, with a possible further 12 month extension to 2025. Given the importance of genital herpes and other STIs in the US, this market is clearly a major commercial opportunity for VivaGel(R) products.

This composition of matter patent is the third patent for VivaGel(R) to be granted in the US, and adds to the already extensive patent coverage for the product in 26 countries covering all major markets.

VivaGel(R) is being developed as a condom coating in collaboration with SSL International plc (LSE: SSL) , the world's leading condom company. SSL markets the global brand Durex(R), and holds approximately 40% of the global branded condom market. Following a deal announced in 2008, SSL has exclusive marketing rights for the VivaGel(R) coated condom.

Starpharma is also developing VivaGel(R) as a vaginal microbicide to prevent the transmission of STIs, including HIV and genital herpes.

About Starpharma

Starpharma Holdings Limited (ASX: SPL) is a world leader in the development of dendrimer nanotechnology for pharmaceutical, life-science and other applications. SPL has two operating companies, Starpharma Pty Ltd in Melbourne, Australia and DNT, Inc in the USA.

The Company's lead pharmaceutical development product is VivaGel(R) (SPL7013 Gel), a vaginal microbicide designed to prevent the transmission of STIs, including HIV and genital herpes. In September 2008 Starpharma signed a full licence agreement with SSL International plc (LSE: SSL) to develop a VivaGel(R) coated condom. Starpharma's receipts under the agreement are estimated to exceed A$100m comprising royalties on SSL sales, further milestone payments, and development support.

For further information:
Media:
Buchan Consulting
Rebecca Wilson
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Ellie Papathanasiou
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Starpharma:
Dr Jackie Fairley
Chief Executive Officer
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Ben Rogers
Company Secretary
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www.starpharma.com
SOURCE Starpharma Holdings

Website: http://www.starpharma.com