Helius Therapeutics has had its CBD25 and CBD100 full-spectrum products verified as meeting the quality standard by New Zealand’s Medicinal Cannabis Agency.
Industry sources said the products will be available on prescription in NZ from today. They will eventually be exported around the world, with Europe and South America the priority markets.
Helius is now actively seeking investment to accelerate its domestic and international growth plans.
Chief executive Carmen Doran said: “We have seen significant delays and disruptions in the availability of imported products as Covid continues to impact supply chains.
“It is disconcerting for patients and prescribers when products that are making a difference in people’s lives are not available. Fully New Zealand-grown and made products will help alleviate such issues.”
The newly approved medicines have been developed at Helius’ manufacturing site in Auckland with cannabinoids extracted from dried flower grown by organic-certified cultivator Puro.
Puro executive director Tim Aldridge said the availability of locally grown and manufactured medicinal cannabis will increase access and affordability for Kiwi patients.
“Since starting in 2018 it’s always been our aim to provide New Zealand patients with greater access to high-quality, locally grown and manufactured medicine.
“While it’s up to pharmacists to determine how much they’ll charge, I hope this new product could cut costs for Kiwi patients by as much as 50% compared to those coming from overseas.”
“As far as we know, this is the first time any medicine that’s New Zealand-grown and manufactured has been available on prescription,” he added.
