Cuprina forms Joint Venture Company with Aiodine Laboratory to Develop and Market Novel Iodine-based Solution as New Wound Care Therapy

Rhea-AI Summary

Cuprina (Nasdaq: CUPR) signed a joint venture with Singapore-based Aiodine Laboratory to develop, test and commercialize Aiodine's novel iodine-based disinfectant for antiseptic wound care, disinfectants and daily home-use antiseptics, with additional applications under evaluation including personal care, oral hygiene and veterinary uses.

The JV assigns global sales, marketing and distribution to Cuprina and proprietary iodine technology to Aiodine. Clinical studies to pursue regulatory approvals are planned to commence in 2026. A peer-reviewed case series (March 26, 2025) reported wound improvement in three of four patients within two weeks without toxicity. Market references: wound care ≈ US$21B (2024) to US$36B (2032); antiseptics estimate ≈ US$48M (2027).

Positive

• Signed JV to develop and commercialize iodine wound therapy
• Cuprina granted responsibility for global sales and distribution
• Peer-reviewed case series showed healing in 3 of 4 patients
• Clinical studies planned to begin in 2026 targeting regulatory approvals
• Addresses large wound care market valued at US$21B in 2024

Negative

• Published clinical evidence limited to a four-patient case series
• Regulatory pathway dependent on clinical studies starting in 2026
• Antiseptics market estimate cited is small relative to wound care

Insights

Biomedical Commercial Strategist

Joint venture to commercialize an iodine-based antiseptic; early clinical data are limited but enable a regulatory and go-to-market path.

The agreement pairs Cuprina and Aiodine Laboratory to develop, test, and market a proprietary iodine disinfectant across wound care, disinfectants, and consumer antiseptics. Cuprina will lead global sales, marketing, and distribution while Aiodine provides the proprietary technology and technical expertise; the partners plan to commence required clinical studies in 2026. The arrangement creates a clear commercial responsibility split and a defined near-term regulatory milestone: initiation of clinical studies.

Evidence shown is an uncontrolled case series of four patients published in Wounds International (three completers) reporting meaningful wound improvements within two weeks and no reported toxicity; this is encouraging but very small and not definitive for regulatory approvals. Key risks include small-sample clinical evidence, the need for formal controlled trials to support safety and efficacy claims for multiple indications, and regulatory clearance timelines and endpoints that are not detailed here.

Watch for the planned clinical study start timing and design in 2026, primary endpoints and sample size, and any regulatory filings or approvals; those milestones will materially change the outlook. Given the facts disclosed, the news opens a plausible commercial pathway but rests on early evidence and planned studies, so the near-term impact is neutral pending rigorous clinical and regulatory results.

SINGAPORE, Nov. 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Cuprina Holdings (Cayman) Limited (Nasdaq: CUPR) (“Cuprina” or “the Company”), a biomedical company developing and marketing products for the chronic wounds, infertility, and cosmeceuticals sectors, today said it has signed a joint venture (JV) company agreement with Singapore-based Aiodine Laboratory Pte Ltd. (“Aiodine”) to develop, test and market that company’s novel iodine-based disinfectant solution as a treatment for chronic and acute wounds, and in other common antiseptic applications.

Initial applications for this iodine-based solution will focus on an antiseptic wound care formulation, disinfectants, and daily home-use antiseptics, with additional opportunities under evaluation in personal care, oral hygiene and veterinary applications. The companies plan to commence the clinical studies required to achieve regulatory approvals for these applications in 2026.

According to the JV company agreement, Cuprina shall be responsible for implementing global sales strategies, marketing campaigns, and distribution networks for licensed products. Aiodine Laboratory shall be responsible for providing the JV with its proprietary iodine technology and technical expertise.

The iodine-based solution works by penetrating pathogens and attacking their amino acids, nucleotides, and fatty acids, causing damage to their structures and leading to their death or destruction. In a study conducted at First Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Haikou, China and published in the March 26, 2025 edition of the peer-reviewed Wounds International, the solution  was evaluated for safety and efficacy in treating four patients having chronic wounds. The study found that, after two weeks or less of treatment, although one patient left the study, the three remaining patients experienced significant wound healing, reduced infection, diminished inflammation and improved tissue repair, without experiencing toxicity or pain. The study concluded that the solution was potentially safer and more effective compared to other current wound care solutions.

Cuprina's Chief Executive Officer, David Quek, commented, “Based on the data and conclusions compiled in this study, as well as on the continually growing post-COVID hygiene awareness, we believe our novel iodine-based solution is not only a promising treatment for severe chronic wounds, but also has applications as a mouthwash, a topical antiseptic for adults, children, and pets, and potentially in other areas. These opportunities allow Cuprina to extend its offerings across the continuum of care, enabling solutions that address patient needs from early intervention through long-term recovery.”

Aiodine Laboratory Chief Technology Officer, Prof. Patrick Fernandez, PhD, added, "This joint venture with Cuprina, we believe, creates a powerful pathway to potentially bring our established, clinically-proven iodine science to millions of patients worldwide.”

According to data published by Fortune Business Insights, the global wound care market was valued at approximately US$21 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach US$36 billion by 2032. Another study by MarketsandMarkets estimated the antiseptics and disinfectants market would exceed US$48 million by 2027.

The entire Wounds International study may be accessed at: https://woundsinternational.com/journal-articles/case-series-of-traumatic-injuries-to-evaluate-the-efficacy-and-safety-of-aiodine-in-facilitating-wound-healing/

About Cuprina Holdings (Cayman) Limited

We are a Singapore-based biomedical and biotechnology company that is dedicated to the development and commercialization of innovative products for the management of chronic wounds, as well as operating in the health and beauty sectors. Our expertise in biomedical research allows us to identify and utilize materials derived from natural sources to develop wound care products in the form of medical devices which meet international standards. For more information, please visit https://www.cuprina.com.  

About Aiodine Laboratory Pte Ltd.

Aiodine Laboratory is a Singapore-based company specializing in advanced iodine formulations for human health, safety, and hygiene. Its proprietary multi-species iodine technology has demonstrated broad efficacy in oral care, wound healing, and antiseptic applications. Learn more at www.aiodine.sg.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Certain statements contained in this press release about future expectations, plans and prospects, as well as any other statements regarding matters that are not historical facts, may constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements include, but are not limited to, statements relating to the expected trading commencement and closing dates. The words “anticipate,” “believe,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “plan,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “should,” “target,” “will,” “would” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. Actual results may differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements as a result of various important factors, including: the uncertainties related to market conditions and the completion of the public offering on the anticipated terms or at all, and other factors discussed in the “Risk Factors” section of the preliminary prospectus filed with the SEC. For these reasons, among others, investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance upon any forward-looking statements in this press release. Any forward-looking statements contained in this press release speak only as of the date hereof, and Cuprina Holdings (Cayman) Limited specifically disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

Cuprina Holdings (Cayman) Limited Investor Contact
Investor Relations
c/o Blk 1090 Lower Delta Road #06-08
Singapore 169201
+65 8512 7275
Email: ir@cuprina.com.sg

Investor Relations Inquiries
Skyline Corporate Communications Group, LLC
Scott Powell, President
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New York, New York 10036
Office: (646) 893-5835
Email: info@skylineccg.com

FAQ

What did Cuprina announce about the Aiodine joint venture (CUPR) on November 18, 2025?

Cuprina announced a JV with Aiodine to develop, test and market a novel iodine-based antiseptic for wound care and other applications.

When will Cuprina (CUPR) begin clinical studies for the iodine-based wound therapy?

The companies plan to commence the clinical studies required for regulatory approvals in 2026.

What clinical evidence supports Cuprina's iodine solution (CUPR)?

A peer-reviewed March 26, 2025 case series reported wound healing in 3 of 4 patients within two weeks with no reported toxicity.

What role will Cuprina (CUPR) have in the joint venture with Aiodine?

Cuprina will implement global sales, marketing and distribution for licensed products from the JV.

How large is the wound care market cited in Cuprina's announcement (CUPR)?

The announcement cites the global wound care market valued at approximately US$21 billion in 2024, projected to US$36 billion by 2032.