Nanotechnology Now - Press Release: Starpharma Signs Collaborative Research Agreement with Stiefel Laboratories, Inc.

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Abstract:
Starpharma today announced the signing of a collaborative research agreement with Stiefel Laboratories, Inc., the world's largest independent pharmaceutical company specializing in dermatology, to apply Starpharma's dendrimer nanotechnology to certain drugs used dermally. Stiefel Laboratories has five Global Research and Development Centers and has products marketed in more than 100 countries around the world.

Starpharma Signs Collaborative Research Agreement with Stiefel Laboratories, Inc.

MELBOURNE, Australia | Posted on December 3rd, 2007

The collaboration will apply Starpharma's dendrimer technology to deliver drugs through the skin with the aim of improving the effectiveness and tolerability of certain dermal treatments. Under the terms of the agreement Starpharma will receive staged payments on successful completion of technical milestones within the collaborative project. The agreement also deals with commercialization rights arising from the collaboration. Confidentiality provisions restrict disclosure of further details of the collaborative program and agreement.

"This agreement is significant for Starpharma in that it expands the applications for dendrimer technology to a new and potentially lucrative drug-delivery area. We consider drug delivery applications of dendrimers to represent a highly attractive commercial opportunity and we are delighted to be working with such a strong international partner in dermatology," commented Starpharma CEO, Dr. Jackie Fairley.

This is the fourth agreement signed by Starpharma this year to develop commercial applications for its dendrimer technology. Starpharma also has dendrimer drug delivery programs underway in cancer and protein therapeutics.

According to Gavin Corcoran, M.D., Senior Vice President, Global Research & Development for Stiefel Laboratories, this development agreement is aligned with Stiefel's commitment to advancing the field of dermatology.

"Our partnership with Starpharma and the resulting agreement will add to Stiefel's innovative technology offerings including the VersaFoam(TM), EPX(TM) and dimethylisosorbide (DMI) vehicles that have greatly enhanced topical drug delivery," said Corcoran.

In February 2007 Starpharma entered into a worldwide exclusive license and supply agreement with EMD Biosciences, part of Merck KGaA's Performance and Life Science Chemicals division. Under the terms of that agreement, Starpharma supplies EMD with Priofect(R) transfection reagents based on Priostar(R) proprietary dendrimers for the DNA and siRNA transfection research markets. Additionally two co-development agreements have recently been signed in relation to condom coating applications of Starpharma's lead product VivaGel(R). One of the agreements is with SSL International Plc, the makers of Durex(R), and a second with an undisclosed condom manufacturer. VivaGel(R) is a vaginal microbicide being developed under IND to prevent the transmission of HIV and genital herpes during sexual intercourse.

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About Starpharma Holdings Limited
Starpharma Holdings Limited (ASX: SPL; Pink Sheets: SPHRY) is a world leader in the development of dendrimer nanotechnology for pharmaceutical, life-science and other applications. SPL is principally composed of two operating companies, Starpharma Pty Ltd in Melbourne, Australia and Dendritic Nanotechnologies, Inc in Michigan, USA. Products based on SPL's dendrimer technology are already on the market in the form of diagnostic elements and laboratory reagents.

About Stiefel Laboratories, Inc.

Founded in 1847, Stiefel Laboratories (a privately held company) is the world's largest independent pharmaceutical company specializing in dermatology. The company manufactures and markets a variety of prescription and non-prescription dermatological products. Some of the newest and best- known brands include Duac(R) (clindamycin, 1% - benzoyl peroxide, 5%) Topical Gel; Evoclin(R) (clindamycin phosphate, 1%) Foam; Luxiq(R) (betamethasone valerate, 0.12%) Foam; MimyX(R); Olux(TM) (clobetasol propionate, 0.05%) Foam; Olux-E(TM) (clobetasol propionate, 0.05%) Foam; Soriatane(R) (acitretin) CK CONVENIENCE KIT(TM); Verdeso(TM) (desonide, 0.05%) Foam; Brevoxyl(R) (benzoyl peroxide, 4% or 8%) Creamy Wash packaged in the convenient new BREVOXYL Acne Wash Kit; Extina(R) (ketoconazole, 2%) Foam; Oilatum(R); Physiogel(R); Stieprox(R) (ciclopirox olamine); REVALESKIN(TM); and Sarna(R). Its wholly-owned global network is comprised of more than 30 subsidiaries, manufacturing plants in six countries, research and development facilities on four continents, and products marketed in more than 100 countries around the world.

Stiefel Laboratories supplements its R&D efforts by seeking strategic partnerships and acquisitions around the world. To learn more about Stiefel Laboratories, Inc. visit http://www.stiefel.com/ .

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Contacts:
Media
Rebecca Wilson
Buchan Consulting
Tel: +61 2 9237 2800
Mob: +61 417 382 391

Philippa Harris
Buchan Consulting
Tel: +61 2 9237 2811
Mob: +61 408 465 800

Starpharma
http://www.starpharma.com/

Dr Jackie Fairley
Chief Executive Officer
+61 3 8532 2704

Ben Rogers
Company Secretary
+61 3 8532 2702