Navamedic ASA has launched Virono®, an over-the-counter (OTC) single-dose treatment for recurrent cold sores (herpes labialis) in adults.
The launch establishes a new OTC treatment category and represents an important step in Navamedic’s nordic consumer health growth strategy. Virono is available in Swedish pharmacies from May 2026. Roll-out activities have also been initiated in Finland, while launch in the Netherlands is planned later in 2026.
Rx-to-OTC switch brings antiviral treatment into self-care for the first time in this format.
Patented Lauriad® mucoadhesive buccal technology delivers aciclovir locally and continuously from a single tablet.
Approximately 80% of Swedish adults carry herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), and approximately one million Swedes experience at least three outbreaks annually. OTC cold sore market size value approximately NOK 70 million wholesaler value in Sweden, Finland, The Netherlands.
Expanding Navamedic’s Consumer Health portfolio
Virono is a prescription-free medicine containing 50 mg aciclovir in a mucoadhesive buccal tablet designed for local treatment of recurrent cold sores. The tablet is applied once per outbreak at the first signs of symptoms. Providing an alternative to topical OTC treatments (creams, sticks, patches) that require repeated daily applications.
