Birmingham Biotech said that it has licensed a carrageenan/gellan antiviral nasal spray from the University of Birmingham and intends to market the spray in the UK and in Asian countries for protection against COVID-19 starting in early 2022. The license excludes marketing rights in India but includes the rest of the world. Birmingham Biotech currently sells diagnostics and medical imaging equipment and does not currently market any therapeutics.
According to the announcement, the company plans to form a joint venture with the University in order to co-develop additional antiviral nasal and throat sprays for protection against viruses other than COVID-19.
University of Birmingham professor Liam Grover, who developed the formulation, commented, “As COVID-19 restrictions around the world are gradually lifting, there is a real need for effective methods of viral protection. While existing measures like wearing masks and hand washing remain essential, this nasal spray provides an additional protective measure with the potential to reduce transmission. We are thrilled to be working with Birmingham Biotech to bring the anti-viral nasal spray to individuals around the world.”
Birmingham Biotech Managing Director Michael Hsu said, “We are delighted to enter into a partnership with the University of Birmingham and to be able to work together with its world-leading academic researchers, to advance medical innovations. We have a shared commitment to bring our proprietary anti-COVID-19 nasal spray to as many people as possible at an affordable price, focusing on developing markets with the greatest need.”
Read the Birmingham Biotech press release.
