LifeStyles Dual Protect Antiviral Condom Hits Canadian Market

By: Jack MacNamara, Staff Writer

ISELIN, N.J. — The makers of LifeStyles and SKYN Condoms, Ansell, debuted LifeStyles Dual Protect, billed as the world’s first antiviral condom, into the Canadian market.

“At Ansell, safety and innovation have always been at the forefront of our mission, and we pride ourselves on our ability to identify the needs of our consumers and develop innovative products that not only protect users, but enhance the sexual experience,” said Jeyan Heper, president and general manager of the Sexual Wellness Global Business Unit at Ansell. “LifeStyles Dual Protect is a great example of this, and by combining a premium latex condom with Starpharma’s patented antiviral VivaGel technology, Ansell is proud to introduce this first-of-its-kind condom to Canadian consumers.” said Heper.

Dual Protect features patented VivaGel lubricant, developed by Starpharma.   VivaGel, an innovative antiviral agent, has been proven in laboratory studies to inactivate HIV (human immunodeficiency virus), HSV (herpes simplex virus) and HPV (human papillomavirus).

A lubricant that promised similar results debuted at the AVN Novelty Expo in 2016, when manufacturer EINS showcased its antiviral lubricant. The Double S Essence Clean Gel was tested at the Korea Testing & Research Institute.

According to Canada’s Public Health Agency, STI rates have been rising steadily since the late 1990s, further exemplifying the need for a product of this kind. VivaGel (SPL7013, or astodrimer sodium) is antiviral and has been proven in laboratory studies to inactivate up to 99.9 percent of HIV (human immunodeficiency virus), HSV (herpes simplex virus) and HPV (human papillomavirus), which are viruses that cause STIs. LifeStyles Dual Protect is the only condom of its type, providing barrier protection and incorporating the proprietary antiviral VivaGel in the condom lubricant.

“We are delighted to be working with Ansell, one of the world’s leading protection companies, to bring this highly innovative product to the North American market,” added Starpharma Chief Executive Officer Dr. Jackie Fairley. “We look forward to making it available to consumers and to subsequent launches around the world.” said Starpharma.

LifeStyles Dual Protect will become available for the first time in Canada via Amazon.ca. After an initial launch in Australia, regulatory reviews continue in a number of geographic regions, with further approvals anticipated in the coming months.

LifeStyles Dual Protect 10-count packs are available for purchase on Amazon.ca.