An Australian company has developed a HIV-killing condom which could hit shelves before the end of the year.
Biotech firm Starpharma has produced VivaGel, an antiviral nanotechnology able to prevent the infection of HIV, HPV and genital herpes in 99.9% of cases.
The ingredient found in the condom’s lubricant recently received approval from Australian regulatory body, the Therapeutic Goods Administration, and is being prepared for mass production.
Starpharma has paired with condom maker Ansell, the world’s second largest condom producer, with the first release of the product expected to hit shelves “probably within the next few months.”
The biotech’s chief executive Dr Jackie Fairly describes the ground-breaking development as “a globally significant innovation, one that was not only pioneered in Australia, but developed in Australia, and ultimately commercialised by two Australian companies”.
The HIV-killing condom is projected to be worth $1 billion per year. Ansell holds all global production and distribution rights outside of Japan, where local condom giant Okamato will launch their version of the product.
Reported HIV infections recently hit a 20-year high in Australia and Starpharma shares have predictably skyrocketed this week; now trading at over 70 cents, up 24 per cent.
Photo: Getty Images
