Australian biotech firm set to market HIV-killing condoms

An Australian pharmaceutical company says it has developed a new condom capable of deactivating up to 99.9 per cent of HIV, herpes and human papillomavirus; and it could be available in Australia within months.

VivaGel, the antiviral compound developed by Australian biotechnology firm Starpharma, has been incorporated into condoms to help stem the spread of these sexually-transmitted viruses.

The virus-killing condoms have received Conformity Assessment Certification from Australia's Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), which means they could be available to consumers in Australia soon.

"The VivaGel condom is a world-first product based on innovative Australian technology. It is the only condom of its type, providing barrier protection and incorporating a proprietary antiviral compound (VivaGel) in the lubricant," Starpharma said.

The condoms can not only help reduce the risk of pregnancy but also may help lower the risk of transmission of HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

"VivaGel is intended to help reduce the risk of exposure to viruses that cause STIs, having been shown in laboratory studies to inactivate up to 99.9 per cent of HIV (human immunodeficiency virus), HSV (herpes simplex virus) and HPV (human papillomavirus)," the company claimed.