Marinomed Biotechnologie GmbH: Pharma Company Acquires Rights to Antiviral Product Line for China

MAVIREX® technology is the basis for five products against viral respiratory infections

The rights to five medical products of the Viennese biotech company Marinomed have now been licensed to an international pharmaceutical company for the Chinese market. Besides three antiviral nasal sprays against common cold, influenza and colds in children, the deal also includes the two newest products from Marinomed: antiviral lozenges and a throat spray against viral throat infections. The entire product portfolio is based on the MAVIREX® technology platform from Marinomed. This takes advantage of special antiviral properties of a natural polymer derived from red algae.

The Viennese biotech company Marinomed Biotechnologie GmbH announced the closing of a deal for the introduction of its current product portfolio in China today. As part of the new partnership, a major international pharmaceutical company headquartered in Europe will receive exclusive rights to a whole series of antiviral therapies against respiratory infections. Two of these products – lozenges and a throat spray – are effective against viral throat infections. Both are the newest products in Marinomed's growing portfolio. In addition, three nasal sprays are now also introduced in China for the first time: a spray against common cold, which is already approved in 41 countries, a spray against influenza (approved in 31 countries) and a spray against colds in children (approved in 31 countries).

In the light of this new partnership, Dr. Andreas Grassauer, CEO of Marinomed, said: "China is the third largest pharmaceuticals market in the world. Licensing our whole product portfolio here at one stroke is an important contribution towards our rapidly growing sales and distribution network. The experience and the presence of our partner in this market assure high efficiency."

The details of the agreement that have been released show that, alongside rights for the marketing of Marinomed's current cold remedy portfolio, the pharmaceutical partner has also received the production rights. The production is based on know-how of the MAVIREX® technology platform from Marinomed. This technology allows the development of therapies against more than 200 different respiratory virus strains on the basis of natural substances derived from red algae.

The first polymer developed by Marinomed for therapeutic purposes – Carragelose® – already displayed a unique antiviral efficacy against a wide range of respiratory viruses. The polymer works by coating the viruses, thereby preventing them from attaching to and penetrating the cells of the mucous membranes. In addition, the properties of the polymer provide a soothing and protective film of moisture on the mucous membranes.

In terms of efficacy of the products based on Carragelose®, Dr. Grassauer says: "Clinical studies have shown a significantly shorter duration of illness after using our nasal sprays against common cold or influenza. In fact, our sprays were effective against a large range of viruses including rhinovirus, coronavirus and influenza virus, and thus offer – irrespective of seasonal variations in the virus type – good options for therapy." Their outstanding efficacy is also a reason for the rapid worldwide licensing of the nasal sprays against common cold and against influenza. The nasal spray against influenza, for example, has already been approved for sale throughout the EU and in three other countries (Switzerland, Norway, Iceland). The nasal spray against the common cold is also approved in ten further countries – including Canada.

In addition to the expansion of its numerous international sales channels, Marinomed is also working intensively on the development of new products on the basis of the MAVIREX® technology platform. The company is currently well advanced on the development of a combination product for allergic patients.

About Marinomed Biotechnologie GmbH (as of July 2013)
Marinomed Biotechnologie GmbH was founded in 2006 and develops therapies against respiratory diseases based on an innovative anti-viral respiratory technology platform. The usability of this safe and effective technology has been proven by its first marketed product: an anti-viral nasal spray. The huge potential of the technology is reflected by Marinomed's additional products concentrating on influenza, combination products for asthmatics and other high-risk patients. In addition, the company develops a novel treatment against type I allergy and autoimmune diseases. Marinomed Biotechnologie GmbH is a spin-off from the Veterinary University Vienna and is located in Vienna, Austria.

Contact Marinomed:
Dr. Eva Prieschl-Grassauer
Chief Scientific Officer
Veterinärplatz 1
1210 Vienna, Austria
T +43 / (0)1 / 25077 4460
E eva.prieschl@marinomed.com
W http://www.marinomed.com

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This release was published on openPR.