Australian biotech Starpharma has won the backing of European officials to launch its revolutionary lubricant that attacks sexually transmitted viruses in women.
The biotech has been granted approval to market its VivaGel BV in the European Union's 28 member countries, where more than 260 million women live.
The lubricant treats bacterial vaginosis (BV), the most common vaginal infection experienced by women around the world.
Chief executive Dr Jackie Fairley said the EU approval opens up a huge market for VivaGel and should expedite commercial discussions already underway.
"In addition, the EU approval will be used as the basis of additional regulatory approvals for VivaGel BV in regions that rely on the European approval," she said on Thursday.
BV has been linked to an increased risk of pre-term births, miscarriage, and transmission and acquisition of sexually-transmitted infections, including genital herpes and HIV/AIDS.
Starpharma estimates the current market for the management of BV and associated symptoms to be worth more than $US750 million ($A1.07 billion) globally.
The European approval comes 14 months after Australia's Therapeutic Goods Administration approved the use of VivaGel on Ansell condoms for sale here.
Shares in Starpharma closed 1.5 cent higher at 61 cents.
