Biopharmaceutical company Starpharma (ASX: SPL) has received regulatory approval for its antiviral nasal spray product, VIRALEZE, in Malaysia. This milestone achievement grants Starpharma and its commercial partners the opportunity to market and sell the innovative product in Malaysia, a country with a population exceeding 33 million. 

VIRALEZE has garnered significant recognition in Asia following successful launches in Vietnam, Hong Kong and Macau. Starpharma is currently engaged in discussions with potential commercial partners not only in Malaysia but also in various parts of Asia and countries across the globe.

VIRALEZE is a revolutionary nasal spray that functions by physically trapping and blocking cold and respiratory viruses in the nasal cavity. Extensive nonclinical studies have demonstrated its efficacy in trapping and blocking a wide range of respiratory viruses, including human coronaviruses, influenza viruses, rhinoviruses, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). 

Of course, you hear respiratory virus, and it’s hard not to think of Covid. For the Company, that’s a notable market. Starpharma is conducting a post-market clinical study on VIRALEZE™ in individuals diagnosed with COVID-19. The study aims to evaluate the antiviral activity of VIRALEZE and its capacity to reduce viral load over a 7-day period. With the study already underway in the United Kingdom, it has successfully recruited over 80% of the target number of participants thus far.

With the approval in Malaysia, Starpharma has now secured registrations for VIRALEZE nasal spray in more than 35 countries, including Europe and the United Kingdom. The product is made accessible through pharmacies, retail outlets, and online platforms in select markets. 

CEO of Starpharma, Dr. Jackie Fairley, said, “Starpharma is pleased to have added another Asian market to the growing list of countries where VIRALEZE™ nasal spray is registered, having now completed the approval process for VIRALEZE™ in Malaysia. VIRALEZE™ will be available immediately to consumers in Malaysia through an online webstore, and Starpharma also plans to make the product available locally through retail outlets, including pharmacies, as it is in Vietnam, Hong Kong, Macau, U.K., and Italy. We are encouraged by the positive uptake of VIRALEZE™ in Asia and look forward to launching the product in Malaysia as soon as practicable.”

Starpharma is a biopharma company primarily focused on oncology and infectious diseases. It employs its DEP® (Dendrimer Enhanced Product) drug delivery platform to enhance the efficacy of both existing and innovative therapies while mitigating the risks associated with drug-related toxicities. By enabling controlled and targeted drug delivery, the DEP platform aims to optimize treatment outcomes.

Besides DEP, the Company has established several partnerships with renowned international biopharmaceutical firms. These collaborations include AstraZeneca (focused on oncology), MSD (in the field of antibody drug conjugates), Chase Sun (specializing in anti-infectives), and other esteemed global pharmaceutical companies. Leveraging the versatile and adaptable nature of Starpharma’s DEP® platform, these collaborative DEP programs have the potential to yield significant future milestones and royalties.

Even as Starpharma gains ground globally, from Malaysia to Europe, Middle East and more, it is yet to be approved for use or supply in Australia, its home country.