Recurring vaginal infections, including fungal infections affect at least 400 million women annually around the world and can be caused by either bacteria or fungi. Although bacterial vaginosis is the most common vaginal infection in women of reproductive age, vaginal fungal infections causing discomfort for affected patients are also common. The severity varies from mild to complicated and recurring, requiring maintenance medication. The present granted patent confers protection for treatment of any fungal infection by glucono-δ-lactone (GDL).
Annette Säfholm, Gedea Biotech’s CEO comments: “The US market for treatment of vaginal infections is worth at least $300 million. Thus, the patent covering treatment and prevention of vaginal fungal infections by GDL, or pHyph strengthens Gedea’s position in one of the largest markets for treatment of these conditions. We think pHyph will replace a substantial share of the antimicrobials used for vaginal infections today.”.
Gedea Biotech has previously been granted a patent in Eurasia (including Russia) for treatment of vaginal fungal infections using GDL (pHyph). A similar patent application is currently under evaluation by the European Patent Office (EPO) and expected to be allowed later this year.
In previous clinical studies, Gedea Biotech has demonstrated promising results with pHyph for treatment of bacterial vaginosis. In addition, a confirmatory, placebo-controlled trials currently being conducted at several European sites.