Marinomed's Antiviral Nasal Spray approved for Use in Canada

Viennese biotech company´s smart respiratory technology already authorized in 38 countries

An innovative nasal spray that has been proven clinically effective against respiratory viruses has now been authorized for the Canadian market. The product, which was developed by the Viennese biotech company Marinomed, reduces the reproduction and spread of viruses on the nasal mucosa and is based on Marinomed's proprietary technology platform Mavirex®. This platform exploits the effect of a natural substance and has secured the approval of the nasal spray in Canada as a "natural health product". Based on the expected market success of the nasal spray, one major international pharmaceutical concern has already decided to market the product in the fall. As a result, Marinomed has now succeeded in licensing the over-the-counter antiviral treatment in a total of 38 countries - while, at the same time, initiating work on the development of new products.

The Vienna-based biotech company Marinomed Biotechnologie GmbH announced the authorization of its antiviral nasal spray for the lucrative Canadian market today. The approval of the spray followed the validation of convincing pre-clinical and clinical data on the safety and effectiveness of the drug. The product, which is based on Carragelose®, a natural substance extracted from red algae, is now approved for the prevention and treatment of the common cold in 38 countries throughout the world. Thanks to its good tolerability, it is also available without a prescription for children starting from the age of one, as well as for pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers.

Commenting on the company´s latest market approval, Dr. Andreas Grassauer, CEO of Marinomed, says: "The fact that our first medication is already so successful throughout the world confirms the effectiveness of our antiviral technology platform and our corporate strategy. This is now focused on the development and approval of other products for the prevention and treatment of influenza and combined products for allergy sufferers."

The basis for the company´s current success is provided by its MAVIREX® technology platform, which exploits the effectiveness of polymers from red algae. These enable the development of therapies for over 200 different respiratory virus strains. The very first polymer developed by Marinomed for therapeutic use - Carragelose® - already shows a unique antiviral effect against numerous respiratory viruses. The polymer surrounds the viruses and thereby prevents them from attaching to and entering the cells in the nasal mucosa. At the same time, it forms a beneficial and protective layer of moisture in the nose. Clinical studies prove that treatment with the nasal spray reduces the duration of a viral cold by around two days (compared with patients treated with placebos). In addition, the viral load and recurrences of the illness were reduced.

Regarding the effectiveness of the antiviral nasal spray, Dr. Grassauer explains: "Colds, coughs and hoarseness can be caused by a multitude of respiratory viruses. It is virtually impossible to diagnose the precise viral strain responsible in each case. However, this is not necessary for treatment with the Marinomed nasal spray. It is effective against numerous viral strains simultaneously. This explains the sales success of the spray."

Against the backdrop of this success, Marinomed also expanded its development pipeline a few years ago. In addition to active substances for the treatment of respiratory diseases, the company is currently also developing products for the treatment of type I allergies and autoimmune diseases.

About Marinomed Biotechnologie GmbH
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.

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