Independent study shows Starpharma's SPL7013 contraceptive effective in animal model

By Lisa Kerner

Charlotte, N.C., June 14 - Starpharma Holdings Ltd. said an independent study at Johns Hopkins University showed that the active ingredient in its lead product VivaGel, SPL7013, exhibits a potent contraceptive effect in a rabbit model.

In the study, two different formulations containing 3% SPL7013 resulted in a 75% and 95% reduction, respectively, in the number of embryos in rabbits compared to an inactive control gel, according to a company news release.

VivaGel is already in clinical development as a topical microbicide for the prevention of HIV and genital herpes infection in women.

"This is a very exciting finding for the company and is of significance to the development of both the condom coating and stand-alone versions of VivaGel," chief executive officer John Raff said in the release.

Unlike other topical contraceptives, VivaGel does not impact sperm motility or viability, rather it interferes with fertilization. In previous studies, VivaGel has been shown to be non-teratogenic (does not cause defects in developing fetuses) and non-mutagenic (does not cause genetic mutations in cells), the company said.

Starpharma, based in Melbourne, Australia, uses nanotechnology to develop pharmaceutical products.

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