Avicanna Inc. (TSX: AVCN) (OTCQX: AVCNF) (FSE: 0NN) and MediPharm Labs Corp. (TSX: LABS) (OTCQX: MEDIF) (FSE: MLZ) will focus on the commercialization of Avicanna’s proprietary Self-Emulsifying Drug Delivery Systems (SEDDS) technology capsules designed for enhanced cannabinoid absorption.
On Monday, the company announced the expansion of its strategic manufacturing agreement with Medipharm Labs to commercialize the capsules for the Canadian and international markets.
Avicanna’s SEDDS technology capsules are designed for enhanced and rapid absorption of cannabinoids. The company plans to commercialize various formulations of these capsules across Canadian adult use, medical, and international channels.
“We are happy to be advancing our proprietary SEDDS technology capsules to the market with MediPharm, who have demonstrated focus, alignment, and the necessary capabilities to manufacture and deliver these products across a number of markets and channels,” Avicanna CEO Aras Azadian said in a statement.
“We are excited about the potential of our proprietary single-dose formulations in both medical and pharmaceutical cannabinoid segments.”
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The expanded agreement between Avicanna and MediPharm involves the commercialization of Avicanna’s SEDDS technology capsules, branded as RHO Phyto, through various channels.
These channels include Avicanna’s MyMedi.ca online cannabis care platform and MediPharm’s Canna farms platform, which are both accessible across the nation for medical purposes. Additionally, MediPharm plans to distribute these capsules through its MediPharm Labs brand in the adult-use wellness sector.
To ensure compliance with pharmaceutical standards, MediPharm aims to manufacture these proprietary capsules in accordance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) standards. This adherence to GMP will enable the fulfillment of both domestic and international pharmaceutical requirements.
Avicanna and MediPharm have the flexibility to explore international markets by utilizing their existing internal infrastructure. They also have the option to collaborate with external partners under contract to expand the availability of their products.
Avicanna’s SEDDS technology, a proprietary innovation, has shown good shelf-life stability, with more than 90 per cent of the total cannabinoids remaining after six months in accelerated conditions. The dissolution profiles of CBD and THC in the formulation were tested using biorelevant media that simulate human intestinal fluid.
The results indicated that more than 90 per cent dispersion was achieved within one hour, with continued stability of the emulsion. Based on these positive findings, the company plans to further develop specific formulations through pre-clinical and clinical stages for potential therapeutic use.
