Australian biotechnology company Starpharma will start selling its antiviral VivaGel condoms in one of the world's largest condom markets after receiving final regulatory approval on Wednesday.

After waiting more than 4½ years for approval, Starpharma has finally secured the go-ahead to sell VivaGel condoms in Japan, which boasts one of the largest condom markets in the world, with customers spending $US500 million ($710 million) each year to prevent pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections.