Firebrick Pharma launches antiseptic nasal spray into US online market
An antiseptic nasal spray developed by Melbourne-based Firebrick Pharma (ASX: FRE) to attack the common cold has been officially launched online for US customers.
Nasodine is now available to purchase from the company’s website and online promotion is commencing across the nation this week.
The povidone-iodine (PVP-I) product has been designed to maintain nasal hygiene by eliminating germs, allergens and other airborne threats that disrupt nasal passages.
It will be promoted without any therapeutic claims, allowing it to be marketed without approval from the US Food and Drug Administration.
Multiple PVP-I nasal sprays have been introduced to the US and marketed in the same manner since 2020.
Clinical trials
Firebrick executive chair Dr Peter Molloy said Nasodine’s US launch follows six clinical trials that confirmed the product’s safety and supported its efficacy as an antimicrobial nasal spray with utility in a range of clinical settings.
“Nasodine will be the only PVP-I nasal spray in the US which is supported by demonstrated safety in clinical trials and a growing list of peer-reviewed publications,” he said.
“Our position has always been that if we can make Nasodine available, people will use it.”
“In a post-COVID world, where everyone is concerned about nasal hygiene, we believe Nasodine is the answer.”
Suite of products
Dr Molloy said the nasal spray was the first in a series of products to be launched under the Nasodine brand and represented a milestone for the company.
“Launching Nasodine into the world’s premier pharmaceutical market is a momentous event for our company after more than ten years of research and development,” he said.
“It heralds our transition to a commercial pharmaceutical business [and] we are planning to build a portfolio of additional products under the same brand for the US and other markets.”
Contract manufacturer
Nasodine is made in the US by a contract manufacturer that recently completed its first commercial batch of the finished product.
Warehousing and order fulfillment is provided by a third party logistics partner, while a US-based online marketing agency has been engaged to design and roll-out a social media advertising campaign.
Dr Molloy said US sales of Nasodine would initially be online only; however the product is expected to eventually be available on US pharmacy shelves.
Australian market
Nasodine is not currently approved for the Australian market as a treatment for the common cold.
Firebrick is in discussions with the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) about potential pathways to achieving approval for domestic customers.
In the meantime, Australians can buy Nasodine from the US website and import it for personal use under the TGA’s personal importation scheme which allows for a maximum of 16 bottles per order every three months.
Dr Molloy said Firebrick was also working on commercialising Nasodine for international markets.