Canopy Growth gains EU GMP certification for Smiths Falls softgels

Germany's Tübingen Regional Council has granted EU good manufacturing practice certification for cannabis manufacturing and packaging in Ontario, according to an Oct. 13 company announcement. Canopy Growth Corporation TSEWEED NASDAQCGC says the authorization covers softgel manufacturing and primary packaging for 3 product formats at its Smiths Falls facility.

The packaging scope covers softgels, liquids for internal use and dried cannabis flower. Canopy says the certification connects Canadian cultivation, manufacturing and packaging with its European distribution network, supporting patient-ready medical cannabis products subject to each market's product requirements.

Canopy shares closed at US$0.76 on Nasdaq on Monday at 4:00 p.m. EDT, according to NASDAQCGC. That close preceded Tuesday's certification announcement.

The company says the expanded capabilities allow it to supply a broader medical cannabis offering through its own manufacturing and packaging operations. Its announcement does not quantify additional production capacity, cost savings or revenue, and gives no timetable for the first products supplied under the expanded scope.

Certification Covers Manufacturing And Packaging

Canopy identifies the Tübingen Regional Council as Baden-Württemberg's competent medicines regulatory authority. The announcement describes certification of manufacturing and packaging activities, while retaining the requirement that products meet applicable rules in their destination markets.

Canopy calls Smiths Falls the only Canadian cannabis facility certified for this combined scope. It bases that claim on a review of certificate records in the European Medicines Agency's EudraGMDP database as of Oct. 9, rather than a statement of exclusivity from the German authority.

"This EU GMP certification adds a capability that sets us apart and accelerates our strategy to capture more value across our supply chain," Canopy chief executive Luc Mongeau said in the announcement.

The company is a Canadian cannabis producer serving medical and consumer markets. Its European strategy targets commercial expansion in Germany, Poland and the United Kingdom through relationships with pharmacies, clinics and healthcare professionals.

Canopy's Aug. 14 announcement reported renewed EU GMP certification for its Kincardine cultivation facility, also from the Tübingen authority. That release described a flower supply chain linking Canadian cultivation with its facility in Sankt Leon-Rot, Germany.

Read more: Aurora Cannabis expands German facility, expects more than double flower output

Tilray Brings Testing Into Its Portuguese Facility

Tilray Brands, Inc. TSETLRY NASDAQTLRY reported a separate European authorization in its Oct. 13 release. Portugal's medicines regulator INFARMED approved microbiological and chemical/physical testing at Tilray Medical's Cantanhede laboratory.

Tilray says the approval reduces reliance on outside laboratories for flower lots and can shorten testing timelines and lower batch-release costs. Its authorization covers testing, while Canopy's announcement covers softgel manufacturing and packaging.

Canopy's release does not identify a certificate number or separate effective date. The underlying Smiths Falls certificate was not available for review.

Separately, Canopy's Sept. 25 meeting notice schedules its adjourned shareholder meeting for Oct. 23 at 1:00 p.m. EDT to consider proposals in its proxy statement. The proxy voting deadline is 9:00 a.m. EDT that day.