29th Jan 2008 07:00
Sinclair Pharma plc announces EU registration of new herpes simplex treatment
29th January 2008, Godalming, UK: Sinclair Pharma plc ("Sinclair"), the international specialty pharmaceutical company, announces the EU registration of its pipeline product SPHR900 for herpes simplex, which causes recurring sores on the skin, lips or mouth, also known as cold sores.
SPHR900 is a proprietary topical treatment aimed at reducing the symptoms of herpes simplex cold sores and accelerating the healing process. The product forms an invisible film on the affected area and incorporates several plant-derived compounds which have been shown to inhibit the growth of the relevant herpes simplex viruses as well as reducing discomfort and inflammation.
Sinclair applied its expertise in topical and barrier formulations to developSPHR900, which represents a new therapeutic area for the company. The productis registered as Medical Device Class IIa and can be sold without aprescription in the EU. Sinclair plans to commercialise the product throughmarketing partners in most countries.
The OTC market for herpes simplex products in the UK, France and Germany is valued at ‚£83m. In Spain and Italy, products for cold sores are commonly prescribed, opening up a new sector of the market for Sinclair in these regions.
Dr Michael Flynn, CEO of Sinclair Pharma plc. commented: "SPHR900 is responding to a need in the market for an antiviral that can simultaneously reduce symptoms and act against the herpes virus. We believe SPHR900 will be an important addition to the company's product range and its commercialisation will contribute to our growing presence in the EU market."
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For further information please contact:
Sinclair Pharma plc Tel: +44 (0) 1483 410 600
Dr Michael Flynn, CEO
Jerry Randall, CFO
Halina Kukula, Investor Relations
Capital MS&L
Anna Mitchell, Joanna Whineray Tel +44 (0)20 7307 5340
Notes to Editors:
About Sinclair Pharma Plc www.sinclairpharma.com
Sinclair Pharma plc is an international specialty pharmaceutical company. Ithas a growing sales and marketing operation that is already present in France,Italy, UK, Spain and Portugal, and a complementary marketing partner networkthat spans more than 80 countries.
Sinclair has proven expertise in acquiring or developing commercially attractive and undervalued products, registering these products and bringing them to market within a short timeframe. The company focuses on niche therapeutic areas and its current portfolio includes products for dermatological conditions and oral health.
About SPHR900
SPHR900 is indicated for the treatment of herpes simplex virus (HSV) type 1 infections. It is a topical composition based on selected extracts of officinal plants containing optimum to provide anti-herpes type 1 activity. The combination of plant extracts in SPHR900 have antiviral, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, analgesic and emollient properties. SPRH900 is designed to accelerate lesion healing, reduce pain and irritation and lower the risk of virus transmission and spreading of the infection.
About Herpes Simplex
Infection of the mouth with herpes simplex virus (Herpes labialis type 1)causes recurring sores (often called cold sores), in which small fluid-filledsores develop on the skin, lips, or mouth. Cold sores can last up to 2-3 weeks.Herpes simplex virus is an icosahedral, nuclear-replicating, enveloped virus.Transmitted from person to person it is usually acquired through direct contactwith infected lesions or body fluids (typically saliva).There is currently no cure for or vaccine for the herpes virus. Once infected,the virus remains for life. Therefore, treatment aims at preventing virusspreading and transmission, reducing the duration of the episode and reducingsymptoms. Herpes treatments available consist of antivirals, such as nucleosideanalogs (compounds effective against viral infections); and over-the-counterproducts, which aim at symptom relief.
Antiviral treatments for cold sores: If used correctly, antiviral cold sore creams may help to speed up the healing time of a recurrent infection. They usually contain the agents acyclovir or pencyclovir. However, they are only effective if applied at the first signs of a cold sore appearing, when the herpes simplex virus is spreading and replicating itself. Using an antiviral cream after this initial period is unlikely to have much effect. Antiviral creams can only help to heal a current outbreak of cold sores.
Non-antiviral treatments for cold sores: There are several non-antiviral creamsthat are available over-the-counter, which may help to ease the irritation ofcold sores. However, these creams are usually not made specifically to treatcold sores, and will not help heal the cold sore any faster.Alternative treatments: Alternative treatments are available, such as herbs anddietary supplements, however there is not sufficient information to discern howeffective these are.Herpes simplex virus type 1 prevalence is high with figures between 55% and 90%reported. International Herpes Alliance (80.5%); Stuk CS et al, Europ. J.Epid.; 2001, 17,885 -90 (55%); Cunningham A. L. et al, Sex. Trans. Inf.:2006,82, 164-8 (76%)"Safe Harbor" Statement under the US Private Securities Litigation Reform Actof 1995: Some or all of the statements in this document that relate to futureplans, expectations, events, performances and the like are forward-lookingstatements, as defined in the US Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of1995. Actual results of events could differ materially from those described inthe forward-looking statements due to a variety of factors.
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