Starpharma Holdings Limited is a world leader in the development of dendrimer products for pharmaceutical, life-science and other applications. Starpharma’s lead products are based on VivaGel ®(SPL7013, astodrimer sodium) a proprietary dendrimer which has antimicrobial properties. And a dendrimer-enhanced, or DEP versions of existing drug are under development. The most advanced of these is DEP docetaxel, a dendrimer- enhanced version of decetaxel (Taxotere), which is in clinical development in patients with solid tumours. In preclinical studies DEP docetaxel has shown significant tumour targeting and superior anti-cancer effects across a range of important cancer types including breast, prostate, lung and ovarian tumour, when compared to taxotere ( docetaxel)
When the calendar struck 27 October of 2016 Starpharma got one more patent for its product Priostar a glyphosate formulation. This patent will extend the value of the Priostar® glyphosate product opportunity for both Starpharma and its partners.
Glyphosate, the active ingredient in Roundup® is a herbicide and most widely used with 2014 global market sales of US$5.7B and is expected to grow to US$8.8B by 2019. Glyphosate is the leading herbicide for the control of weeds on maize, soybean and cotton crops, making it one of the most widely used herbicides In the United States, It is also used in agriculture and forestry, on lawns and gardens, and for weeds in industrial areas.
The expected term of the patent is till 2030 and also expecting an extension over existing granted patent on Priostar a glyphosate formulation, it can also have additional term in relation to patent office delay and regulatory approval.
Priostar® patent portfolio which comprises granted patents in major key markets, including in the US, Europe, and China tags an additional value for the patent.
The mechanism of action of Priostar®-enhanced glyphosate formulations shows to deliver improved weed control capabilities, particularly in hard to kill weeds compared to standard marketed formulations of glyphosate. The enhanced formulations have also shown faster knock-down of weeds.
Adama has already commenced development of a novel and unique 2,4-D product containing the Priostar® dendrimer technology, which is expected to provide better flexibility and weed control benefits to the grower, as well as improved safety. This will allow for on-target application, thus benefiting the environment by reducing the amounts of product required.
Under the license, Starpharma will receive royalties on sales of the proprietary Adama Priostar®-improved 2,4-D products. In addition to the US, the agreement also includes a mechanism to expand the license into additional territories.
Starpharma has number of global partners for Priostar® to enhance agricultural formulations, including with Adama for a Priostar® improved 2,4-D formulation for the US market.
Dr Jackie Fairley Chief Executive, Starpharma, commented that: “This development for our glyphosate Priostar® patent portfolio is a valuable commercial achievement and confirmation of the innovation that Priostar® brings to crop protection products. We continue to work in partnership with leading agrochemical companies across the globe to develop innovative, proprietary Priostar® formulations that improve product performance and deliver benefits to farmers.”
Key words: Starpharma, glyphosate formulations, weed killing properties, Priostar®
