Tetra Bio-Pharma Announces the Signature of a Letter of Intent to Monetize GrowPros and its Late Stage ACMPR Application
Momentum Public Relations
Press Release: December 21, 2017
Tetra Bio-Pharma Inc. (“Tetra” or the “Company”) (TSX VENTURE:TBP)(OTCQB:TBPMF), a global leader in cannabinoid-based drug development and discovery, is pleased to announce that it has entered into a non-binding letter of intent (the “LOI”) with a private Canadian corporation (the “Purchaser”) and has started a transaction to monetize GrowPros (GrowPros MMP Inc., Tetra’s wholly-owned subsidiary) (the “Potential Transaction”), to allow Tetra to focus its activities on the drug development and its clinical trials of its pharmaceutical business. With this transaction, Tetra is expected to receive $350,000 and ensure another supply source of cannabis with pharmaceutical GMP quality for the pipeline of products under development.
It is expected that the Proposed Transaction would include the following main terms:
- Acquisition by the Purchaser of all the issued and outstanding shares of GrowPros held by the Company;
- Tetra will receive $350,0000 for the Potential Acquisition composed of (i) a first installment of $175,000 which was paid at the time of the signing of the LOI, (ii) a second installment of $175,000 which will be paid following signing of the definitive agreement giving effect to the LOI (the “Definitive Agreement”) and (iii) subject to stock exchange and securities regulatory approval and following the Purchaser’ initial public offering, 15,000,000 common shares of the Purchaser which would represent approximately a 33% equity interest in the share capital of the Purchaser post-initial public offering. The intention is for Tetra to eventually distribute these shares as a dividend in kind to its shareholders on a pro-rated basis;
- Purchaser’s responsibility to move GrowPros’ late stage ACMPR application forward (submitted in November 2014) with Health Canada;
- Grant by Purchaser and GrowPros of a right of first refusal to the Company on future cannabis production by GrowPros, which will ensure a second source of cannabis to the Company with pharmaceutical GMP quality for the production of the pipeline of products under development;
- Undertaking by the Purchaser to build a 15,000 square feet production facility located on 145 acres of agricultural land in Venosta, Quebec. The property has been approved for up to 1.5M square feet of production space; the Purchaser will ensure that a dedicated part of that production facility will be in compliance with good manufacturing practices for pharmaceutical product; construction of the production facility is expected to begin in the first quarter of 2018.
“We are very happy to leverage this asset that is Grow Pros. By finding a reliable partner, Tetra expects not only to immediately increase its cash flow, but also to enable its shareholders to maintain an investment in the high growth cannabis industry. As importantly, Tetra is further focusing on its core expertise and strength: the development of prescription drugs through the highest levels of clinical trials. Finally, we expect this deal to allow us to secure our production of dried cannabis for our lead drug candidate for its expected approval and eventual commercialization, and provide us with another partner from which we can supply our active pharmaceutical ingredients (API) for our drug development programs.” says Bernard Fortier, CEO of Tetra.
The Proposed Transaction contemplated by the LOI is subject to a number of significant condition precedents including but not limited to the entering into of the Definitive Agreement on terms satisfactory to both parties, the completion of the Purchaser’s initial public offering and receipt of all requisite approval (including stock exchange and regulatory approvals).
The parties intend to enter into the Definitive Agreement and close the Proposed Transaction by the end of the first quarter of 2018.
About Tetra Bio-Pharma:
Tetra Bio-Pharma (TSX VENTURE:TBP)(OTCQB:TBPMF) is a biopharmaceutical leader in cannabinoid-based drug discovery and clinical development. Tetra is focusing on three core business pillars: clinical research, pharmaceutical promotion and retail commercialization of cannabinoid-based products.
More information at: www.tetrabiopharma.com
Source: Tetra Bio-Pharma
Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
Forward-looking statements
Some statements in this release may contain forward-looking information. All statements, other than of historical fact, that address activities, events or developments that the Company believes, expects or anticipates will or may occur in the future (including, without limitation, statements regarding potential acquisitions and financings) are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are generally identifiable by use of the words “may”, “will”, “should”, “continue”, “expect”, “anticipate”, “estimate”, “believe”, “intend”, “plan” or “project” or the negative of these words or other variations on these words or comparable terminology. Forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the Company’s ability to control or predict, that may cause the actual results of the Company to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from current expectations include, among other things, without limitation, the inability of the Company, through its wholly-owned subsidiary, GrowPros MMP Inc., to obtain a license for the production of medical marijuana; failure to obtain sufficient financing to execute the Company’s business plan; competition; regulation and anticipated and unanticipated costs and delays, the success of the Company’s research strategies, the applicability of the discoveries made therein, the successful and timely completion and uncertainties related to the regulatory process, the timing of clinical trials, the timing and outcomes of regulatory or intellectual property decisions and other risks disclosed in the Company’s public disclosure record on file with the relevant securities regulatory authorities. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause results or events not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. Readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. While no definitive documentation has yet been signed by the parties and there is no certainty that such documentation will be signed The forward-looking statements included in this news release are made as of the date of this news release and the Company does not undertake an obligation to publicly update such forward-looking statements to reflect new information, subsequent events or otherwise unless required by applicable securities legislation.
Tetra Bio-Pharma Inc.
Dr. Anne-Sophie Courtois, DVM
Vice President, Marketing & Communications
(514) 360-8040 Ext. 210
anne-sophie.courtois@tetrabiopharma.com
- Published in Medical Marijuana, Tetra Bio Pharma
Albert Mining to Use its CARDS “Artificial Intelligence Technology” to Target Copper, Zinc, and Silver on Falco Resources Inc.’s Mining Properties in Rouyn-Noranda
Momentum Public Relations
Press Release: December 19, 2017
Albert Mining Inc. (the “Company” or ” Albert “) (TSX-V: AIIM ), an exploration mining company and a leader in the use of artificial intelligence and advanced knowledge-extraction techniques in the mining sector, is pleased to announce that its techn ology will be used on Falco Resources Inc. (” Falco “) (Venture TSX: FPC ) 67,258 hectares properties in the Rouyn-Noranda region of Quebec. A fee of $90,000 will be paid to Albert for its CARDS (Computer Aided Resources Detection Software) services.
“Mrs. Claude Pilote, Senior project engineer of Falco, stated: “During the last few years, we made important progress at the Horne 5 deposit outlining a Measured Mineral Resources of 769,885 oz. AuEq (9,259,600 tonnes at 2.59 g/t AuEq, gold equivalent) and Indicated Mineral Resources of 6,731,443 oz. AuEq (81,855,200 tonnes at 2.56 g/t AuEq). With its positive feasibility study on the Horne 5 project, one of Falco’s objectives is to increase these resources on its 67,258 hectares properties. We believe that the CARDS technology will make it possible for us to develop new exploration targets on our properties and focus our efforts in high potential zones.”
By using its CARDS technology, Albert will assist Falco in identifying targets and possible sites with the same signature as known mineralized occurrences. Albert uses its proprietary technology to analyze geological, geophysical, and geochemical to discover the patterns hidden in the large amount of data that Falco owns.
About Albert Mining Inc. – Where Artificial Intelligence Meets Geology
Albert is a junior mining exploration and services company with an extensive portfolio of gold, copper, and diamond properties in Quebec. Albert also recently acquired all assets from DIAGNOS Inc.’s mining division, including the Computer Aided Resources Detection System (“CARDS”). Albert can count on a multidisciplinary team that includes professionals in geophysics, geology, Artificial Intelligence, and mathematics.
For further information, please contact:
Michel Fontaine
President and CEO of Albert Mining Inc.
Telephone: 514-994-5843
Email: michel@albertmining.com
Website: www.albertmining.com
Additional information about the Corporation is available under Albert’s profile on SEDAR atwww.sedar.com .
This news release contains certain “forward-looking statements” or “forward-looking information” (collectively referred to herein as “forward-looking statements”) within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. Such forward-looking statements include, without limitation, forecasts, estimates, expectations and objectives for future operations that are subject to a number of assumptions, risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the control of the Company. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, but not always, identified by the words “expects”, “plans”, “anticipates”, “believes”, “intends”, “estimates”, “projects”, “potential” and similar expressions, or are events or conditions that “will”, “would”, “may”, “could” or “should” occur or be achieved. This news release contains forward-looking statements, pertaining to, among other things, the following: the resumption of the trading of Albert shares on the TSX Venture Exchange. Statements regarding future production, capital expenditures and development plans are subject to all of the risks and uncertainties normally incident to the exploration for and development and production of oil and gas that may cause actual results or events to differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements. These risks include, but are not limited to, inflation or lack of availability of goods and services, environmental risks, drilling risks, regulatory changes and certain other known and unknown risks detailed from time to time in Albert’s public disclosure documents, copies of which are available on Albert’s SEDAR profile at www.sedar.com .
Although Albert believes that the material factors, expectations and assumptions expressed in such forward-looking statements are reasonable based on information available to it on the date such statements were made, no assurances can be given as to future results, levels of activity and achievements and such statements are not guarantees of future performance. Albert’s actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied in forward-looking statements and readers should not place undue importance or reliance on the forward-looking statements. Statements including forward-looking statements are made as of the date they are given and except as required by applicable securities laws, Albert disclaims any intention or obligation to publically update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement.
Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
- Published in Albert Mining, Artificial Intelligence, Mining
PROPERTY ACQUISITION PROGRESS RESTATEMENT
Momentum Public Relations
Press Release: December 11, 2017
On Dec. 8, 2017, Crystal Lake Mining Corp. issued a property update and it wishes to add to and clarify several items contained therein.
The subject Emo, Ont., properties are specifically located in Dobie, Kingsford, Mather, Potts and Tait townships, in the Dogpaw Lake and Heronry Lake areas.
The company has commissioned Ronacher McKenzie Geoscience to prepare an independent technical report in accordance with National Instrument 43-101 — Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects — on the properties.
All claim blocks are within 60 kilometres of each other. The target is Ni-Cu-PGE (nickel-copper-platinum-group-elements) mineralization, however, the exact geological characteristics of the claim blocks remain to be determined.
The geological content of this press release was reviewed by Dr. Elisabeth Ronacher, PhD, PGeo, a qualified person in accordance with in accordance with National Instrument 43-101 — Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects.
About Crystal Lake Mining Corp.
Crystal Lake Mining is a mineral exploration/development company focused on creating value through the exploration and development of its British Columbia and Ontario mineral properties.
We seek Safe Harbor.
- Published in Crystal Lake Mining, Mining
Tetra Bio-Pharma provides update on status of its Phase 3 Clinical Trial Application of Lead Drug Candidate PPP001
Momentum Public Relations
Press Release: December 11, 2017
Tetra Bio-Pharma Inc. (“Tetra” or the “Company”) (TSX VENTURE:TBP)(OTCQB:TBPMF), a global leader in cannabinoid-based drug development, announced today that the Company has accepted the suggestion of Health Canada to change the order of its clinical trial application (CTA) review process. As such, the quality certification for the manufacturing of PPP001 will take place prior to the approval of its clinical trial protocol as Health Canada assesses its partner Aphria’s operations for Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) for pharmaceutical products. Tetra agrees to this change from Health Canada because it is in the best interest of patients.
This change in the usual CTA approval process is expected to potentially extend the review process by 30 days. Tetra continues to expect PPP001 to become the first cannabis-derived inhalation drug to receive a drug identification number (DIN) from Health Canada, as well as pharmaceutical drug status from the FDA. The phase 3 trial should therefore begin in early 2018. The Company expects this change to have only a minor impact on time to market for PPP001.
Tetra received approval for the ethics review board on November 6th and subsequently submitted a Clinical Trial Application (CTA) for its Phase 3 clinical trial in cancer patients. This trial is expected to be a landmark clinical trial and is the first of its kind, enrolling a total of 946 subjects. Dr Guy Chamberland, Tetra’s Chief Scientific Officer (CSO) commented that: “a GMP certification from Health Canada’s drug inspectorate is welcome as this certification will signal to the company that its manufacturing partners comply with GMP requirements for drug approval and increases the measures put in place to ensure patients’ safety.” Once the trial is initiated, The Company will accelerate enrolment by expanding the number of clinical sites as it aims to adhere to its target date for filing PPP001 as a prescription drug (with a drug identification number – DIN) to Health Canada.
About Tetra Bio-Pharma:
Tetra Bio-Pharma (TSX VENTURE:TBP)(OTCQB:TBPMF) is a biopharmaceutical leader in cannabinoid-based drug discovery and clinical development. Tetra is focusing on three core business pillars: clinical research, pharmaceutical promotion and retail commercialization of cannabinoid-based products.
More information at: www.tetrabiopharma.com
Source: Tetra Bio-Pharma
Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
Forward-looking statements
Some statements in this release may contain forward-looking information. All statements, other than of historical fact, that address activities, events or developments that the Company believes, expects or anticipates will or may occur in the future (including, without limitation, statements regarding potential acquisitions and financings) are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are generally identifiable by use of the words “may”, “will”, “should”, “continue”, “expect”, “anticipate”, “estimate”, “believe”, “intend”, “plan” or “project” or the negative of these words or other variations on these words or comparable terminology. Forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the Company’s ability to control or predict, that may cause the actual results of the Company to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from current expectations include, among other things, without limitation, the inability of the Company, through its wholly-owned subsidiary, GrowPros MMP Inc., to obtain a licence for the production of medical marijuana; failure to obtain sufficient financing to execute the Company’s business plan; the success of the Rx Princeps™product offering and inhalation device; guidance on expected sales volumes associated with the Rx Princeps™product offering and inhalation device; competition; regulation and anticipated and unanticipated costs and delays, and other risks disclosed in the Company’s public disclosure record on file with the relevant securities regulatory authorities. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause results or events not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. Readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements included in this news release are made as of the date of this news release and the Company does not undertake an obligation to publicly update such forward-looking statements to reflect new information, subsequent events or otherwise unless required by applicable securities legislation.
Tetra Bio-Pharma Inc.
Dr. Anne-Sophie Courtois, DVM
Vice President, Marketing & Communications
(514) 360-8040 Ext. 210
anne-sophie.courtois@tetrabiopharma.com
www.tetrabiopharma.com
- Published in Medical Marijuana, Tetra Bio Pharma
Crystal Lake adds three properties to acquisition
Momentum Public Relations
Press Release: December 8 2017
Crystal Lake Mining Corp. has made progress on its acquisition of the minerals rights to the Emo, Ont., properties referred to in previous news as Property 1, Property 5, Property 7 and Property 8. The company agreed to purchase a 100-per-cent interest in those properties by paying $50,000 and issuing 10.5 million shares to Emerald Lake Development Corp., subject to a 2-per-cent net smelter royalty, 1 per cent of which may be purchased for $1-million.
The company received conditional approval to the acquisition on Nov. 14, 2017, which required, among other things, the preparation of a current geological report and demonstrated ability to finance the first stage of work on the properties. The company has commissioned Ronacher McKenzie Geoscience to prepare the requisite National Instrument 43-101 report on the properties, and, due to its recent fundraising initiatives, the company now has the financial resources necessary to finance the initial stage of consequently recommended exploration.
The company is pleased that acquisition has since been expanded to include additional properties known as Property 2, Property 3 and Property 4, and the added properties will be included without additional consideration. All of the claim blocks are in the same area and have similar geological characteristics to the EL1 and EL5 property blocks, which the company currently holds under option, targeting nickel, copper, cobalt and platinum group metal massive sulphides.
The company is expecting final approval shortly after the receipt of the pending geological report.
About Crystal Lake Mining Corp.
Crystal Lake Mining is a mineral exploration/development company focused on creating value through the exploration and development of its B.C. and Ontario mineral properties.
We seek Safe Harbor.
- Published in Crystal Lake Mining, Mining
Kevin O’Leary says Canadian Stocks are a Good Buy
Kevin O’Leary Shows His Patriotism by Advocating Investment in Canadian Stocks
– Momentum Public Relations –
Kevin O’Leary, co-founder and chairman of O’Leary Funds, is one of Canada’s most respected investors and financial commentators. He came from humble middle class beginnings, but built a company which he sold for more than $4 billion dollars. O’Leary has long shunned the Toronto Stock Exchange in favor of the more diversified S&P 500, but it appears he has suddenly gotten in touch with his patriotic side.
O’Leary is the father of two children, Savannah, 22, and Trevor, 19. He’s always been open with his kids about money, offering regular advice on financial responsibility as well as sound investment tips. His most recent tip was for both his son and daughter to keep 40{92d3d6fd85a76c012ea375328005e518e768e12ace6b1722b71965c2a02ea7ce} of their portfolios in Canadian stocks and 60{92d3d6fd85a76c012ea375328005e518e768e12ace6b1722b71965c2a02ea7ce} in dividend paying S&P with 10 sectors of diversification. If you’re looking for the right mix of investments in your Tax Free Savings Account, O’Leary advises you to do the same.
In the February 12 episode of Ask O’Leary on BNN, O’Leary told a caller, “The TSX has been crushed because of the energy and energy service sector. I think we’re getting near the eighth or ninth inning of that decline. I’m very bullish should we get our acts together. In other words, hopefully there will be a pipeline announcement in the near future.”
Describing himself as an optimist, O’Leary called Canada a “good buy” for savvy investors at the moment. However, he advised the caller to wait a few weeks until the budget comes out. If the government issues a budget with a deficit of over $30 billion, O’Leary says he’ll withdraw with advice and personally exit Canada in terms of investments. Claiming an added budget deficit would be proof the government doesn’t know what it’s doing, O’Leary said he wanted to wait and see what lawmakers would do before speculating further.
This tidbit was only one of several interesting investment tips O’Leary has offered in the last month. Highlights from recent episodes of Ask O’Leary include:
- O’Leary publicly praised Canadian banks by saying Canada’s intense fiscal regulations made for tightly managed financial institutions, offering extra protection for investors. In fact, he went as far to call them the “best managed financial institutions on the globe” in today’s economy.
- When asked what advice he’d offer for investors debating the merits of Canadian banks versus American banks, O’Leary recommended callers stick to Canadian banks after pointing out the unfavorable nature of the currency conversion. The Canadian dollar closed at 71.77 cents on February 10, a substantial drop from its high of 105.95 in July 2011. Yet, O’Leary remains convinced the loonie is near the end of its struggle and will eventually bounce back stronger than ever.
- For those interested in investing in rental properties, O’Leary said the best investment is pay down the mortgage on the property as soon as possible. Using the income to reduce the debt guarantees increasing returns on the building as the debt gets paid off. Relaying a story about an immigrant couple who only ate pasta while struggling to pay off their first investment property mortgage, he told the caller, “Get rid of debt so you don’t have to eat beans.”
O’Leary has also been in the news due to his recent announcement that he is interested in running for the leadership of the Conservative Party of Canada. Stating that he had been inspired by Donald Trump’s campaign for President in the United States, O’Leary created further political controversy when he offered to invest $1 million in the economy of Alberta in exchange for Premier Rachel Notley’s resignation.
InMed Pharmaceuticals arranges $1-million financing
2015-04-06 11:25 ET – News Release
Mr. Craig Schneider reports
INMED PHARMACEUTICALS, INC. ANNOUNCES NON-BROKERED PRIVATE PLACEMENT FOR UP TO C$1,000,000
InMed Pharmaceuticals Inc. will conduct a non-brokered private placement of up to four million units at a price of 25 cents per unit for aggregate gross proceeds of up to $1-million. Each unit will consist of one common share and one-half of one non-transferable share purchase warrant. Each whole warrant will be exercisable by the holder to acquire one additional common share at a price of 40 cents for a period of 12 months following the closing of the financing.
Completion of the private placement is subject to receipt of regulatory approval. All securities issued will be subject to a statutory four-month hold period under applicable securities laws.
The net proceeds from this private placement will be used for general working capital purposes. Finders’ fees in cash or warrants may be payable in accordance with the policies of the exchange.
We seek Safe Harbor.
- Published in Blog, Life Sciences
A Guide to the Canadian Securities Exchange
The Canadian Securities Exchange (CSE) was established in 2003 and is governed by CNSX Markets Incorporated. The CSE obtained stock exchange status in 2004, and was created to provide companies with a resourceful and contemporary alternative to access public capital markets in Canada. Furthermore, the CSE currently provides over 200 different structured IPs, and government bonds and equities, and continues to expand at an exponential rate in order to meet the discerning needs of its investors.
In addition, the CSE launched the first unremitting auction market in September, 2007. It was established for investors and companies who were looking to trade securities that were listed on alternative Canadian stock exchanges. Interestingly, the newly introduced auction market provides many benefits vis-à-vis other stock exchanges; including an inviting fee configuration; a low-latency environment for trading stocks, and a high capacity milieu that allows investors to use proprietary and state-of-the-art trading technologies that maximise ROI. As a result, the Canadian marketplaces’ competiveness on the worldwide marketing spectrum has risen exponentially. Moreover, it is important to note that CSE listed stocks and symbols on alternative Canadian exchanges have now been conglomerated since “Project One” was completed on December 2, 2013.
In sum, the CSE provides many benefits when compared to other stock exchanges. In addition to being an approved market maker system that boasts streamlined regulation and cost effective measures, the CSE is also a centralized auction marketplace than ensures augmented disclosure. For instance, if we were to compare the initial listing fees of the CSE to the TSX or TSX-V, one would notice that the fees incurred via the CSE are significantly lower than those of the aforementioned stock exchanges (e.g., $12,500 versus $40, 750 & $30,000). Arguably just as important, if not more so, is that the CSE does not use a transaction based modus operandi. In other words, the CSE charges a flat monthly fee of only $500, allowing investors to perform an unlimited amount of transactions at their discretion. In fact, investors can expect to spend only $18,000 worth of annual fees for listing on the CSE during the first year, followed by only $6,000 in annual fees in perpetuity afterwards. Interestingly, if one were to tabulate the initial, sustaining, and additional listing fees of the TSX-V-, TSX, and CSE, the clear advantage that the CSE provides becomes increasingly evident (e.g., $51,000/$58,950/$18,500). That is, CSE total fees are 65{92d3d6fd85a76c012ea375328005e518e768e12ace6b1722b71965c2a02ea7ce} lower than those of the TSX and 69{92d3d6fd85a76c012ea375328005e518e768e12ace6b1722b71965c2a02ea7ce} lower than the fees incurred by the TSX Venture. Ergo, the CSE is the quintessential choice for innovative companies that are looking to go public in Canada.
For more detailed information on the CSE please visit their official website.
Written by: Prakash Mylvaganam
- Published in Blog
If Big Pharma Isn’t Nervous, It Should Be; Early Stage Cannabis Technologies…Potentially the Next GW Pharma
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, July 31, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Deep in the brain, buried within the central nervous system as well as lymphatic tissues and organs throughout the body are cannabinoid receptors; patiently waiting to help address a myriad of diseases. With the advent of cannabis research and therapy development many patients will likely trigger them very soon.
Two known receptors in the Endocannabinoid system are CB1 and CB2. There is mounting evidence that there are many more. Simply put, this system of receptors is involved in dealing with a variety of physiological processes including appetite, pain-sensation, mood and memory.
Activating these receptors by introducing the appropriate drug based on a specific formula of cannabis, primarily utilizing Cannabidiol (CBD) and Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) has already shown remarkable potential efficacy, albeit somewhat anecdotal, in the treatment of a host of afflictions ranging from cancer to epilepsy, glaucoma, MS, Tourette’s and even eczema.
To date there have been approximately 100 cannabinoids identified; each with the potential to be an integral component of a lower cost treatment; countering the expensive and frequently toxic Big Pharma drugs and therapies.
The current level of research and development of cannabis therapies is analogous to where the Internet was in the mid 1990’s. What is known is that the introduction of targeted phytocannabinoid formulations, such as those with CBD and THC, signal the body to make more endocannabinoids and open more cannabinoid receptors enhancing the body’s ability to fight pain and disease.
“At this point, we don’t actually know how many therapies are possible utilizing phytocompounds, but we suspect hundreds, if not thousands,” stated Craig Schneider, President and CEO of Cannabis Technologies (CAN: CSE, CANLF: OTCQB). “To that end, CAN has developed a proprietary Cannabinoid Drug Design Platform (CDP) to identify new bioactive compounds within the cannabis plant that interact with certain genes responsible for specific diseases.”
The poster stock in this Life Sciences sector is GW Pharmaceutical. The Company IPO’d at $8.90 in May 2013 and traded as high as $107 in 2014. When investors compare the metrics of peers GWPH and CAN, the case for the latter appears compelling.
While it would be easy to draw the usual David and Goliath analogy, in this case the participants, while competitors are really more peers, working toward the same therapeutic goals. And, as a result of the focused CDP development process, cannabis therapies can be on the market in 4-6 years versus 10-15 years as is the norm through the Big Pharma pathway.
GW currently trades at $87 has a market cap of $1.5 billion and had trailing twelve-month (ttm) revenues of $50 million, is virtually debt free and has approximately $163 million in cash. Cannabis Technologies trades at $0.37 is pre-revenue and has a market cap of $12 million with roughly $600k in cash. CAN shares have a 2014 high of $0.71 and low of $0.33.
GWPH market cap is 30 times revenue. Translating that multiple to eventual revenues to early stage CAN evidences compelling growth potential.
GWPH, as CAN, decided early on to dedicate R&D to therapy development and plant their respective flags firmly in Life Science space instead of the class of ‘Medical Marijuana’ companies with all the different connotations.
These companies are involved in serious and life saving science. There are others as well, including AbbVie, which makes the FDA approved chemotherapy nausea treatment Marinol, which is a synthetic formulation of THC. Valeant Pharmaceuticals produces Cesamet, which is a like treatment. The best known to investors is likely GW’s vapor delivered Sativex, used currently in 25 countries outside the US for treatment of the spasticity associated with MS. Sativex is currently in clinical trials for approval as a treatment of cancer pain.
CAN’s Schneider notes: “The media has categorized CAN as an early-stage GW Pharma, a comparison we welcome. We are currently entering Phase 1 trials for our glaucoma treatment CTI-085, which showed great therapeutic promise in pre-clinical trials relieving the ocular pressure associated. This initial therapy is much more, being a proof of concept of the ability of our CDP to identify specifically engineered treatments to deal with many debilitating and deadly diseases.”
For context, the $12 billion ocular disease market includes $5.7 billion for glaucoma.
Other drugs in development include GW’s Epidolex for the treatment of rare diseases as well as other compounds in clinical trials for treatment of autoimmune, diabetes and schizophrenia.
The key to therapy going forward is this specific engineering and the ability to replicate the compound for quality and consistency. Sativex is basically 50{92d3d6fd85a76c012ea375328005e518e768e12ace6b1722b71965c2a02ea7ce} CBD and 50{92d3d6fd85a76c012ea375328005e518e768e12ace6b1722b71965c2a02ea7ce} THC. The CBD component has the dual task of being the active ingredient as well as damping down the psychotropic effects of the THC. CBD comes from the hemp plant and has only trace THC.
As new cannabis drugs develop, individual formulations will be more therapy specific, have non-cannabis ingredients added and undergo stringent quality and consistency controls.
Big Pharma has a right to be nervous. Side effects from cannabis therapies are virtually non-existent, development costs are extremely low by comparison–$5 billion on average per Big Pharma drug—and companies like CAN are confident that as it progresses it can develop therapies in a period of 60-90 days instead of decades.
Part of the strategic engineering is not just how much of this and that goes into a compound. The key is to develop plants that produce the right material for each formulation. It is not inconceivable that if there were 500 cannabis therapies, there would be 500 different strains of cannabis plant as ‘feed stock’.
The label of Medical Marijuana companies, when referring to enterprises such as GW, CAN, AbbVie and Valeant, are the exception to what appears to be a wild west show at times. These are serious life science companies. To include them with the plethora of Medical Marijuana initiatives, whether junior mining companies looking for a new direction or those that feel simply growing generic marijuana is a sound business plan, many will likely fail or be swallowed.
Like the Internet of old where there are few survivors today from that era, the cannabis space will eventually be littered with casualties as it builds out. What is not in dispute, is that the efficacy of cannabis appears undeniable and therapy development will continue and likely speed up, building on early successes. GW and CAN will likely be among those to grow and prosper; a good thing for both shareholders and, more importantly, those millions of patients suffering from particularly nasty diseases and conditions.
Innovative science requires scientists. Rounding out CEO Craig Schneider’s 20 years of capital market and biopharmaceutical experience CAN has two world-class scientists. Dr. Sazzad Hossain Ph.D, M.Sc., Chief Science Officer, brings two decades of experience in new drug discovery and natural health product development. His practical experience includes senior scientist at the NRCC bringing and has generated over $500 million in revenue from therapies he has been involved in developing from the discovery to commercialization.
Key as well is the Company’s breeding, genetics and cultivation division led by Dr. Hyder Khoja, Ph.D., M.Sc., A.Ag. who brings 17 years of extensive research and business provenance in life sciences and business services.
Management has spoken frequently about addressing larger therapy markets including cancer, metabolic diseases and pain and inflammation. On par with GW, CAN has plans to produce medicines in-house initiated by its CDP technology, breeding and cultivation division and proprietary formula engineering. Even at this early stage, the Company is keenly aware of the need for not just the development of therapies but the ability to replicate each with strict quality and consistency.
Further adding to shareholder value is a patent pending for CAN’s CDP and a plan to protect IP by filing patents as therapies are developed.
If you are considering investing in the cannabis space, buy the science. Hype has a very short shelf life.
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CONTACT: Cannabis Technologies #350-409 Granville Street, Vancouver, BC Canada, V6C 1T2 Tel: 604.669.7207 Fax: 604.683.2506 info@cannabis-tech.com
- Published in Life Sciences, Medical Marijuana
Marijuana, now officially more expensive then gold
Shatter hash and other similar concentrates make up one of the fastest-growing facets of Colorado’s bustling marijuana industry — but shatter, which can be used for dabbing, is also still quite controversial.
Shatter can be dangerous to produce, as many have learned after blowing up their garages or hotel rooms. And it’s also an incredibly potent method of ingesting THC — hardly ideal for the inexperienced pot connoisseur.
Just how popular is shatter?
“At this point gold costs $43.50 a gram,” said Tucker Eldridge, master grower at Nature’s Herbs & Wellness, “and shatter costs $40 a gram off the shelf for medical patients. You add another 30{92d3d6fd85a76c012ea375328005e518e768e12ace6b1722b71965c2a02ea7ce} tax to that, and it ends up costing more than gold.”
Shatter can sell recreationally for $60-$90 a gram, Eldridge said in the above video, by Denver Post photographer Joe Amon.
So why do some prefer shatter to flower or edibles?
“If you’re looking for something that’s significantly more potent, has significantly less adulterant plant matter, which is what combusts and produces carcinogens, then shatter hash is going to be more your cup of tea,” Eldridge said. “If you’re not looking for something that’s that potent it can be almost psychoactive.”
- Published in Blog