Emyria
Nine sites across four states will conduct the phase III clinical trial for Emyria’s EMD-RX5 cannabinoid medicine as it continues its bid to register an over-the-counter schedule 3 product.
The double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled study will target the symptoms of psychological distress in patients with a background of chronic pain
Eight newly confirmed sites will join WA’s Hatherley Medical Centre in conducting the trial. The sites will now begin recruiting patients in partnership with Emyria’s patient-facing operation, Emerald Clinics.
Four other sites have been identified for qualification if required.
A total of 300 participants aged 18 to 70 will receive either 50mg of Emyria’s EMD-RX5 capsule, 150mg or a placebo. It will be administered over one month.
Emyria chief executive Dr Michael Winlo said the company had received “exceptional demand” from clinical sites wanting to participate in the trial.
“We take this as a strong sign that there is high clinical interest in our unique ultra-pure CBD capsule and strong patient need for new treatment options for our target indication – the symptoms of psychological distress,” he said.
“The eight additional clinical trial sites are now poised to commence patient recruitment across Australia, with our trial drug EMD-RX5 being readied for distribution over the coming weeks.
“In parallel, we are advancing commercialisation discussions and look forward to providing more updates on the registration of EMD-RX5 in future announcements.”
Ananda Wellness Group
A former Flight Centre marketing chief has been appointed to lead the expansion of Byron Bay-based Ananda Wellness Group.
In his role as chief executive, Keith Stanley will work with Dr Jamie Rickcord, founder of Ananda Clinics, to create a “medically driven approach” to the business, with the aim of “adding to the growing evidence base around endocannabinoid medicine and using modern interactive technology to improve patient outcomes”.
Further details of the plans for Ananda Wellness are expected to be released shortly.
Stanley is a former global marketing chief of Flight Centre and ex-chief executive of Stella Travel Services, which owned the now-defunct travel agency Harvey World Travel.
InhaleRx
Healthcare technology firm InhaleRx has named board member and Cannvalate co-founder Darryl Davies as chief executive.
Davies will step down as executive director, a role he has held since July 2021, to take up the part-time, A$135,000-a-year CEO role.
The company has also appointed Dr Rob Jenny as chief scientific officer. Jenny, a former board member of Epsilon, joins from Cannvalate where he was business development manager.
Davies, who has 16 years’ experience in psychology, harm minimisation and healthcare commercialisation, will oversee two clinical trails the company is involved in.
“I look forward to the next exciting chapter in InhaleRx’s development and I’ll be working closely with the highly credentialed board and management team in leading the execution of the company’s strategic plans across the life cycle of the two clinical trial programs,” he said.
“In addition, I’ll be focusing on new opportunities to develop novel inhalation drug/device therapies to address unmet clinical needs.”
Meanwhile, plastic surgeon Dr John Crock will join InhaleRx as a non-executive director.
He will advise the company on the clinical aspects of both trials.
Cann Global
Cann Global is poised to acquire an unnamed company after being placed in a trading halt.
The listed company paused trading “pending the release of an announcement regarding a proposed acquisition”.
The suspension will remain in place until the earlier of Tuesday October 4 or when the announcement is made.
Cann Global shares were trading at A$0.021 at time of the suspension.
Hemp Foods Australia
Elixinol Wellness subsidiary Hemp Foods Australia (HFA) has secured distribution in more than 800 Coles stores nationwide for its Functional Seed Mix range.
The newly developed range will be stocked in the supermarket’s health food aisle and combines hemp seeds with other fruit, nut and seed formulations to deliver specific health benefits.
The move follows a deal with Woolworth’s late last year to stock its certified organic Hemp Gold Seed Oil in more than 100 stores.
HFA general manager Felipe Favaro said: “To secure national distribution with Coles for our new seed mix range is an exciting progression for HFA and means that our brand can now be found on the shelves of Australia’s two largest supermarket chains.
“While we have been working hard on driving our e-commerce strategy, we also recognise the importance of bricks-and-mortar sales, and we are definitely seeing more interest from supermarkets to stock our products as the mainstream appeal of hemp continues to grow.”
