Avecho Biotechnology has received patent allowances in the US and Europe covering its CBD soft-gel capsule, the company’s lead medicine currently in a Phase III trial for insomnia.
The patents – expected to be formally granted by the end of FY26 – extend protection for the formulation until at least 2040 and cover cannabinoid combinations beyond CBD, broadening potential commercial opportunities.
Chief executive Dr Paul Gavin said it strengthened Avecho’s intellectual property position ahead of future regulatory submissions.
The product is being tested in what the firm has described as the world’s largest clinical trial of cannabidiol for insomnia, with an interim analysis of the first participants due in H1 2026.
A successful Phase III outcome would support a planned Therapeutic Goods Administration submission as Avecho seeks to become the first company to sell over-the-counter CBD in pharmacies.
Montu
Montu has expanded its medical affairs division, adding new functions across evidence generation, clinician education and pharmacology.
The division is led by general manager Jeremy Fox and now includes specialists in epidemiology, oncology pharmacy, neuroscience, safety and medical communications.
New roles include Dr Rachel Duckham (real-world evidence), Marleen Plate (clinical education), Chris Bush (mental health literature review), Sue Pereira (pharmacovigilance) and Pinn Karnchanachari (evidence translation and communications).