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HAVN LIFE SCIENCES PROVIDES UPDATE ON RETAIL STRATEGY AND PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT

Havn Retail is on track for its Q1 2021 launch of its initial line of natural health supplements.

Vancouver, BC – Havn Life Sciences Inc. (CSE : HAVN) (FSE : 5NP) (the “Company” or “Havn Life”), a biotechnology company pursuing standardized extraction of psychoactive compounds, the development of a full range of natural healthcare products, and innovative mental health treatment is pleased to provide a corporate update on its retail operations and business strategy.

The Company’s retail division, Havn Retail,  is executing its business plan for nutraceutical products and has developed seven natural healthcare products that are set to launch in Q1 2021.

The team will utilize a multi-pronged distribution strategy including online, retail, subscription and other channels to reach a broad customer base and deliver a quality customer experience. Current efforts are focused on a retail launch within Canada, with the Company ultimately planning to expand internationally, first to the United States and then to other key consumer markets such as Europe.


Retail Strategy

Havn Life continues to work towards its Q1 2021 launch of its nutraceutical product line that addresses human optimization and brain health, with a focus on functional mushrooms.

“Plants and fungus have so much therapeutic potential, and there is still so much to learn”, says Dr. Ivan Casselman, Chief Psychedelic Officer.  “At Havn Life we are committed to cutting edge research and development of the unique and powerful natural products to improve human health and optimize performance.” Havn Life continues to work on additional formulations, including unique formulas and delivery methods that can improve bioavailability and consumer convenience.

Havn Life continues to work on additional formulations, including unique formulas and delivery methods that can improve bioavailability and consumer convenience.

Executive Chairman, Vic Neufeld added: “The team continues to work closely with several national retailers as we prepare for our initial launch. Our team’s strong track record of previous successes has become very valuable and will continue to provide Havn Life with a unique edge against competitors.”


E-Commerce & Education

Havn Life expects a Q1 launch of its e-commerce platform which will provide direct to consumer shipping throughout Canada initially. The platform will also serve as an educational portal as consumers become comfortable with the use of alternative therapies, including mushrooms, and Havn Life’s custom formulations.  The Company will also provide comprehensive and insightful educational materials, leveraging its science team, to ensure consumers make informed decisions when buying Havn Life products.

Chief Executive Officer, Tim Moore remarked: “Consumers are demanding a wealth of information to increase their comfort level with a new product category and new brands. Havn Life is actively working on this in tandem with commercialization of its products. Providing education that leverages the deep knowledge base of our science team will build awareness, confidence and brand loyalty, which will provide consumers with more comfort with services such as auto-order, subscription and other strategies.”

On Behalf of The Board of Directors
Tim Moore
Chief Executive Officer

About Havn Life Sciences Inc.

Havn Life Sciences is a Canadian biotechnology company pursuing standardized extraction of psychoactive compounds, the development of natural healthcare products, and innovative mental health treatment to support brain health and enhance the capabilities of the mind. Learn more at: havnlife.com and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Youtube.

Connect

Investor Relations
ir@havnlife.com
604 (687)-7130

Facebook: @havnlife
Twitter: @havnlife
Insta: @havn.life
LinkedIn: @Havn Life

Media Contact
Brittany@exvera.com
778-238-6096

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Numinus Completes First Extraction of its Psilocybe Mushrooms

Canada’s first legal extraction by a public company is a landmark moment for the global psychedelic-assisted psychotherapies landscape

VANCOUVER, BC, December 17, 2020 – Numinus Wellness Inc. (“Numinus” or the “Company”) (TSXV: NUMI), a company creating an ecosystem of solutions centred on the research, development, and delivery of safe, evidence-based, accessible psychedelic-assisted psychotherapies, has completed the first legal extraction of Psilocybe mushrooms in Canada by a public company for research and development purposes. This follows Numinus’ successful completion of the cultivation and harvest of the first legal flush of Psilocybe mushrooms at Numinus Bioscience, the Company’s 7,000 square foot analytics and research laboratory.

“Completing the first legal extraction of Psilocybe mushrooms in Canada is a critical next step to providing a natural product for safe, evidence-based psilocybin-assisted psychotherapies to those in need,” said Payton Nyquvest, CEO, Founder, and Chairman. “Numinus continues to be a vanguard of positive change for the industry, and this announcement demonstrates our ability to deliver yet another first.”

Numinus Bioscience is establishing itself at the forefront of analytical testing for psychedelic substances, as a centre of excellence for psychedelic product research and development, and as an ancillary for psychedelic therapy clinical trials. Health Canada licences, scientific expertise, and state-of-the-art technologies facilitate ongoing innovation, while revenue from high-throughput contract cannabis testing is reinvested to further its psychedelic initiatives.

“This is an important milestone in our comprehensive research strategy, following our successful harvest announced in October,” said Sharan Sidhu, Science Officer and General Manager. “In the extraction process, Numinus Bioscience’s goal is to optimize Psilocybe mushrooms to standardize psilocybin and multiple therapeutically important components, increasing the efficacy of the extract. To further our position as a centre of excellence in the space, we are in the process of submitting amendments to supply the extract for use in clinical trials and the Special Access Programme, which, when accepted, will mark a significant move forward in scaling the delivery of psychedelic-assisted therapies.”

“While direct comparisons cannot be made, there is a clear recognition in the cannabis space that synthetic cannabinoids are far less attractive than naturally occurring cannabinoids,” indicated Dr. Evan Wood, Numinus’ Chief Medical Officer. “Numinus is of the view that, ultimately, nature knows best, and we’re excited to be at the forefront of exploring the fascinating world of working with Psilocybe mushrooms as part of a focused drug development program.”

This announcement follows Numinus’ advocacy work that contributed to Health Canada’s groundbreaking announcement of its intention to revise the Special Access Programme (SAP) to permit access to MDMA and psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy in the same way other investigational medications are accessed in Canada. In addition, Numinus also recently announced the exciting acquisition of Montreal -based Mindspace Psychology Services Inc (DBA Mindspace Wellbeing) earlier this week, bringing together the capabilities of two leading Canadian organizations to develop and scale delivery of evidence-based psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy.

Health Canada’s Notice of Intent regarding the SAP will be open for public consultation and comments for the next 60 days, and Numinus strongly encourages the community to weigh in on the benefits of the revision. View the notice here: http://www.gazette.gc.ca/rp-pr/p1/2020/2020-12-12/html/notice-avis-eng.html#nb2.

To share comments and thoughts related to the SAP, please email hc.csd.regulatory.policy-politique.reglementaire.dsc.sc@canada.ca.

About Psychedelic-Assisted Psychotherapy

Psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy has gained a great deal of interest within the medical community and general public as research results demonstrate its superior effectiveness for a range of mental health conditions. These results are contributing to a paradigm shift in both the understanding and treatment of mental health conditions.

Numinus has announced plans to embark upon open-label compassionate access clinical trials of psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy for substance use disorders and MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for PTSD, enabling it to implement, test and refine optimal protocols for delivery before these therapies are widely accessible. This includes developing physical and human resource infrastructure more broadly to deliver psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy including for Special Access Programme patients.

Numinus is uniquely positioned to provide patients with MDMA and psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy under the expanded SAP revision based on its international partnerships and extensive work completed on developing safe and evidence-based protocols for psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy. The Company is also a leader in the industry as the first public entity in Canada to receive a licence to produce and extract psilocybin from mushrooms, the first to complete a legal harvest of psilocybe mushrooms using this licence and the holder of a Health Canada dealer’s licence to import, export, possess, test and distribute MDMA, psilocybin and other psychedelics.

Applications for Numinus’s compassionate access trials and for access under the SAP, pending approval, are not yet open. To be advised of the status and procedures for applications when available, register for Numinus’s newsletter.

###

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF NUMINUS WELLNESS INC.

Payton Nyquvest

President, Chief Executive Officer and Chair

About Numinus

Numinus Wellness Inc. (TSXV: NUMI) is a mental health and wellness company creating an ecosystem of solutions centred around safe, evidence-based, accessible psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy to help people heal and be well.

Numinus Health is dedicated to delivering innovative treatments to address physical, mental, and emotional health, through clinics and virtual services.

Numinus R&D is conducting implementation science and leveraging partnerships to beta-test and refine optimal models of psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy delivery, setting the stage for approved routine use in mental health and wellness care.

Numinus Bioscience is focused on developing testing methods and effective formulas for the evolving psychedelics space. Health Canada licences, scientific expertise, and new technologies facilitate ongoing innovation, and high-throughput contract services generate established revenue.

Learn more at numinus.ca, and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Forward Looking Statements

This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws. All statements that are not historical facts, including without limitation, statements regarding future estimates, plans, programs, forecasts, projections, objectives, assumptions, expectations or beliefs of future performance, are “forward-looking statements.” Forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as “plans”, “expects” or “does not expect”, “is expected”, “estimates”, “intends”, “anticipates” or “does not anticipate”, or “believes”, or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results “may”, “could”, “would”, “might” or “will” be taken, occur or be achieved. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, events or developments to be materially different from any future results, events or developments expressed or implied by such forward looking statements. Such risks and uncertainties include, among others, dependence on obtaining and maintaining regulatory approvals, including acquiring and renewing federal, provincial, municipal, local or other licences and any inability to obtain all necessary governmental approvals licences and permits to operate and expand the Company’s facilities; regulatory or political change such as changes in applicable laws and regulations, including federal and provincial legalization, due to inconsistent public opinion, perception of the medical-use and adult-use marijuana industry, bureaucratic delays or inefficiencies or any other reasons; any other factors or developments which may hinder market growth; the Company’s limited operating history and lack of historical profits; reliance on management; the Company’s requirements for additional financing, and the effect of capital market conditions and other factors on capital availability; competition, including from more established or better financed competitors; and the need to secure and maintain corporate alliances and partnerships, including with research and development institutions, customers and suppliers. These factors should be considered carefully, and readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. Although the Company has attempted to identify important risk factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements, there may be other risk factors that cause actions, events or results to differ from those anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in forward-looking statements. The Company has no obligation to update any forward-looking statement, even if new information becomes available as a result of future events, new information or for any other reason except as required by law.

SOURCE Numinus Wellness Inc.

For further information:
Dana Harvey, Chief Communications Officer
media@numinus.ca

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COMPASS Pathways News | December 2020 Issue

Dear friends,

It goes without saying that 2020 has been a challenging year for everyone. The devastation caused by the COVID-19 pandemic will leave an impact for years to come – on the economy, on employment, on our physical health, and on our mental health.

We were in a global mental health crisis even before COVID arrived, and it is more important than ever that we find a way to deliver better outcomes in mental health care for more people. At COMPASS, we are grateful that we have been able to continue our work throughout the year, with our highly engaged team working remotely, as well as collaboration, support and flexibility from so many people including partners, researchers, and investors. As I reflect on this year, I want to express my gratitude for everyone who has helped us to make progress towards our goal of transforming mental health care.

Unmet need in mental health care

In September this year we became a public company, listing our stock on Nasdaq and raising $146.6 million. Most of this money will be used to fund our clinical development, including our clinical trials of COMP360 psilocybin therapy and our therapist training activities, as well as our R&D programmes, and work on digital technologies. We are grateful to all our past, existing and new investors – your support reflects an understanding of the growing unmet need in mental health care, and allows us to advance our research with continued pace and rigour.

Public sentiment has also been caught by the desperate need for better mental health care. This was clearly demonstrated in November in the US state of Oregon, where voters passed Measure 109 to begin a process to legalise psilocybin therapy for medical use. We share the same long-term goals of Measure 109: to provide options for the many people who suffer with mental health challenges for whom existing treatments don’t work. However, we believe that psilocybin therapy needs to be approved by medical regulators, with evidence generated in large-scale clinical trials, so that it can be assessed on safety, efficacy and quality, and made accessible to all who might benefit, through national and local health systems.

COMP360 psilocybin therapy trial for treatment-resistant depression

A huge thank you to our clinical trial teams in North America and Europe who have worked so hard to overcome the challenges of running a clinical trial during a global pandemic. The safety of patients and our teams is always our highest priority, and this has guided all our discussions over when and how to reopen sites that were closed during the initial lockdowns in March 2020. We have been able to safely resume our phase IIb clinical trial, with the use of new procedures and equipment, including clear plastic masks.

We recently welcomed our 21st trial site, The Charité in Berlin, bringing our research through this trial to 10 countries in North America and Europe.

Our research partners

We have a bold ambition to transform mental health care. We know we cannot do this alone, and are fortunate to work with researchers across the world to accelerate the development of innovative treatments and bring them to patients. Thank you to all our research partners for your continued collaboration.

In August we entered into a sponsored research agreement with the University of the Sciences in Philadelphia, PA, to establish a Drug Discovery Center. The Center is exploring and developing optimised psychedelic and other early-stage compounds targeting the 5HT2A receptor – one of the receptors in the brain that is recognised as a promising target in the treatment of mental health challenges.

We are also providing funding and support to the Aquilino Cancer Center at Adventist HealthCare Shady Grove Medical Center, in Rockville, MD, which has begun the first clinical trial of psilocybin therapy with simultaneous administration and one-on-one patient support to treat depression in cancer patients.

Last month we joined the Psychiatry Consortium, an international collaboration of medical research charities and pharmaceutical companies focused on the challenge of identifying and validating novel drug targets for mental health illnesses. We will work alongside Psychiatry Consortium members and academic partners to advance research projects, providing support through access to funding, expertise, and commercialisation know-how.

Our energetic and mission-driven team

We couldn’t do any of this without our amazing team and our board, both made up of talented and dedicated individuals, who have been simply outstanding during a challenging and extremely busy year.

In recent months, we have welcomed Linda McGoldrick as non-Executive Director; Greg Ryslik as Senior Vice President, Data Science, Machine Learning and Digital Health Research; Steve Levine as Vice President of Patient Access; Sarah Bateup as Head of Therapy Research and Training; and Stephen Schultz as Senior Vice President, Investor Relations. COMPASS is now a team of more than 60 people and continuing to grow. We are ably supported by a wider network of suppliers, partners and advisers, and we are proud and grateful to work with all of you.

From left to right: Linda McGoldrick, Greg Ryslik, Steve Levine, Sarah Bateup, and Stephen Schultz 

Thank you to everyone who has continued to support us, observe our work, or send us messages. We look forward to sharing more progress with you in 2021, as we work together to realise our vision of a world of mental wellbeing.

We wish you and your loved ones all the very best for the holidays and the New Year.

Warm regards,
Ekaterina

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16 healthcare professionals granted access to psilocybin

Canadian Government Agency Removes Barrier for Psilocybin Therapy

Health Canada removed a barrier for psilocybin research by allowing 16 health-care professionals to legally possess and consume psilocybin-containing mushrooms in clinical settings, the same exemptions previously given to more than a dozen terminally-ill patients. TheraPsil, a Victoria non-profit that aims to treat mental health issues with psilocybin, celebrates these exemptions, as they could lead to important new medical applications in the mental health sector.

PDF of article

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HAVN LIFE SCIENCES HITS MAJOR MILESTONE WITH RESEARCH PARTNER, COMPLEX BIOTECH DISCOVERY VENTURES

Havn Research signs contract with CBDV, located at The University of British Columbia’s Vancouver campus, to begin Health Canada approved research to analyze psilocybin under Havn Life’s Section 56 exemption.

The results of the analysis will allow Havn Life to begin the development of a library of psilocybin compounds.

Vancouver, BC – Havn Life Sciences Inc. (CSE : HAVN) (FSE : 5NP) (the “Company” or “Havn Life”), a biotechnology company pursuing standardized extraction of psychoactive compounds, the development of natural healthcare products, and innovative mental health treatment to support brain health and enhance the capabilities of the mind, is pleased to announce it is partnering with Complex Biotech Discovery Ventures (CBDV) to begin Health Canada approved analysis of psilocybin under Havn Life’s section 56 exemption.

CBDV is a licensed cannabis research and development firm focusing on extraction, optimization, analytical testing and chemical process development based at the Vancouver Campus at the University of British Columbia.

Havn Life will be conducting a comparative study at CBDV lab that will test various methodologies of extraction to assess the merits and drawbacks of each. The results will be used to help develop Havn Life’s methodology for analyzing psilocybin mushrooms and products.

In addition, Havn Life will work towards the development of the very first library of psilocybin compounds and lay the foundation for future development of proprietary extraction methods.

“Analysis is the foundation of Havn Life’s research objectives, enabling quality assurance and rapid development of our extraction techniques and methodologies,” says Alexzander Samuelsson, Chief Research Officer for Havn Life. “By building a foundational understanding of current methods used today, we will leverage known research to develop an optimal process for the standardization of psilocybin extraction. This ultimately allows Havn to supply academic researchers with high quality, standardized compounds.”

The study will provide Havn Life with the tools and an understanding of method development for specific compounds (psilocybin) that can later be used to develop a library of compounds for researchers.

“It will also mean that Havn Life can rapidly develop our proprietary extraction methods in-house more quickly by eliminating the need to send compounds to third-party labs,” explains Samuelsson. “This makes a huge difference between discovery and optimization to scaling processes, allowing Havn Life to expedite our internal development process.”

The work is enabled by Havn Life’s Section 56 exemption, granted by Health Canada, pursuant to which the company has the ability to possess certain amounts of pure psilocybin for scientific purposes, specifically for the research and development of quality control methods.

The Section 56 exemption also provides Havn Life with unique access to handle psilocybin and develop in-house analytical protocols. This will provide experience in quantitatively analyzing psilocybin as a cornerstone of quality control and quality assurance for process development and product reliability.

About CBDV

CBDV laboratory offers a wide range of scientific services and expertise involving chemistry to support a better understanding of complex concepts through experimentation, research, and analysis. Founded by Doctor Markus Roggen and UBC Professor Glenn Sammis. Dr. Roggen is an award-winning organic chemistry expert with a focus in extraction optimization and the development of innovative therapeutic formulations. Professor Sammis received with Bachelor of Science from Stanford University before attending Harvard as a Predoctoral fellow. He has built an internationally recognized research group working on the development of novel synthetic methods for the preparation of natural products and pharmaceuticals.

On Behalf of The Board of Directors
Tim Moore
Chief Executive Officer

About Havn Life Sciences Inc.

Havn Life Sciences is a Canadian biotechnology company pursuing standardized extraction of psychoactive compounds, the development of natural healthcare products, and innovative mental health treatment to support brain health and enhance the capabilities of the mind. Learn more at: havnlife.com and follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Connect

Investor Relations
ir@havnlife.com
604 (687)-7130

Facebook: @havnlife
Twitter: @havnlife
Insta: @havn.life
LinkedIn: @Havn Life

Media Contact
Brittany@exvera.com
778-238-6096

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atai Life Sciences Appoints New Chief Financial Officer and Chief Medical Officer

Dr. Rolando Gutierrez-Esteinou & Greg Weaver to Join Executive Management Team

NEW YORK, Dec. 16, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — atai Life Sciences (“atai” or the “Company”), a global biotech company developing psychedelic and non-psychedelic compounds for various mental health indications, has announced the appointment of Greg Weaver as Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and Rolando Gutierrez-Esteinou as Chief Medical Officer (CMO).

Mr. Weaver joins atai with extensive experience in finance, having held numerous executive positions in the field of biotechnology. Greg’s career has focused on start-up through clinical development and commercial stage. He has guided over $1.1 billion in financing transactions during his career, participated in several public and private financings, providing financial guidance, strategic leadership and shareholder value. Prior to joining atai, Mr. Weaver was CFO at several successful companies, including SIRNA Therapeutics, ILEX Oncology, Oryzon, Prometic, and Eloxx Pharmaceuticals.

“Greg brings a wealth of experience with a proven track record in complex financial organizations, where he was responsible for a number of companies’ successful public offerings,” said atai CEO and Co-Founder Florian Brand. “As we continue to grow and evolve, Greg’s deep financial expertise and knowledge will be invaluable.”

Mr. Weaver holds a BS in accounting and finance from Trinity University and an MBA from Boston College’s Wallace E. Carroll Graduate School of Management.

“I am thrilled to join atai at this very exciting time, and to have the opportunity to serve with this exceptional team,” said Mr. Weaver. “It is clear that atai has a unique and compelling culture of innovation, empathy, and making a significant impact on behalf of mental health patients. I look forward to driving our shared vision of leaving no patient behind.”

Dr. Gutierrez-Esteinou is a seasoned pharmaceutical executive in neuroscience drug development and commercialization. Having become a psychiatrist some 30 years ago, Rolando was around during the breakthroughs of serotonin selective reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and atypical antipsychotics, some of which he helped develop.

During this time, he has held executive positions at world-renowned companies including Johnson & Johnson, Novartis, BMS, Takeda and Marinus in clinical development, project management, medical affairs and pharmacovigilance.

“Rolando’s three decades of experience in the neuroscience space and his true understanding of the potential of these compounds speaks directly to our values at atai,” said Dr. Srinivas Rao, atai Co-Founder and Chief Scientific Officer. “His depth of knowledge and experience in CNS drug development will contribute greatly in our efforts to move our portfolio forward.”

Dr. Gutierrez-Esteinou received his MD from the Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico, and did his subsequent residency in the department of psychiatry as well as his fellowship in the department of neurochemistry at Harvard Medical School. Additionally, he completed his fellowship in experimental therapeutics at the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH).

“I am very excited to join atai at a time when the development of psychedelics is progressing into later stages of clinical testing in multiple psychiatric conditions of high unmet need,” said Dr. Gutierrez-Esteinou. “The unique therapeutic effects of these investigational medicinal products will require innovation in the way studies are conceived, designed, implemented and analyzed so atai has assembled the team of specialists who can tackle these tasks.”

Dr. Gutierrez-Esteinou will be based in New Jersey and Mr. Weaver will be based in New York City.

About atai Life Sciences
atai is a biotechnology company founded in 2018 in response to the clear and growing unmet needs of mental health patients worldwide. atai is dedicated to acquiring, incubating and efficiently developing innovative therapeutics to treat depression, anxiety, addiction, and other mental health disorders. atai’s business model combines funding, technology, scientific and regulatory expertise with a focus on psychedelic therapy and other drugs with differentiated safety profiles and therapeutic potential. By pooling resources and best practices, atai aims to responsibly accelerate the development of new medicines across its business entities, seeking to effectively treat and ultimately heal mental health disorders. atai’s mission is to bridge the gap between what the mental healthcare system currently provides and what patients need. atai is headquartered in Berlin, with offices in New York and San Diego. For more information, please visit www.atai.life.

Investor Contact:
Greg Weaver
atai – Chief Financial Officer
Email: greg.weaver@atai.life

Media Contact:
Anne Donohoe
KCSA Strategic Communications
Phone: +1 (212) 896-1265
Email: atai@kcsa.com

SOURCE atai Life Sciences

Related Links

http://www.atai.life

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INN: Psychedelic Trends 2020: The Heat is On

2020 marked the beginning of the psychedelics investment story as the capital markets fully embraced the alternative drug sector.

The idea of investing in a psychedelic drug company may have sounded unlikely before 2020.

But now investors are enjoying the dawn of a new alternative drug market that is trying to capitalize on the medical benefits of psychedelic substances.

In 2020, investors saw the arrival of a number of new public companies that are exploring various pathways in the psychedelics space, primarily operating under the promise of new medicine.

It’s no exaggeration to say that 2020 served as the launching pad for psychedelics in the eyes of the capital markets. And that included us, as here at the Investing News Network (INN) we launched our own psychedelics-focused vertical.

Read on to get a sense of the psychedelics trends that are setting the stage for this promising new industry, with commentary from insiders and experts.

Psychedelics trends 2020: Markets get their bets ready as listings erupt

As mentioned, this year catapulted a fresh stock universe into existence as a variety of new companies went public across different exchanges.

While it wasn’t the first of the year, the listing of Compass Pathways (NASDAQ:CMPS) was one of the biggest landmark events for the industry in 2020. The company was the first psychedelics operation to list directly on the NASDAQ, opening the door for others to follow.

“It’s shown to the world what insiders have known for a long time — that this vision of bringing psychedelic medicine to the world isn’t a pipe dream, it’s very real and it’s happening now,” Michael Hoyos, co-founding partner, Americas, with the Conscious Fund, previously told INN.

Fellow companies also celebrated Compass Pathways’ debut as the arrival of a new era.

“Compass’ successful IPO is further evidence that psychedelics are gaining traction as a viable solution for treating mental health and addiction,” JR Rahn, co-founder and co-CEO of Mind Medicine (MindMed) (NEO:MMED,OTCQB:MMEDF), said.

During an online talk in the leadup to the Compass Pathways listing, Bill Stern, managing partner at Venture Group Capital, said the listing looked set to “change the industry dramatically.”

Dugan Selkirk, media relations manager for Vancouver-based private firm Universal Ibogaine, was not elusive about the significance of the NASDAQ listing. “The top blew off with Compass Pathways’ mega IPO in the US markets, which has put the wind back into the sails of the industry, and we see this pattern continuing with momentum into 2021.”

Jos Schmitt, president and CEO of the NEO Exchange, told INN he believes investors have to get over any stigma surrounding these substances, because he believes the opportunity is too great to pass up.

Back in March, when MindMed went public, the NEO saw Canada’s first official listing of a company operating in the psychedelics space.

A fellow securities executive previously told INN he was unsure when he first heard about the psychedelics investment shot. “I will admit, I was a bit skeptical at first,” said Richard Carleton, CEO of the Canadian Securities Exchange (CSE).

Carleton changed his mind after seeing the research that has been conducted and meeting with companies directly to discuss the sector.

The CSE is now the capital markets home of nearly 30 listings related to the psychedelics industry.

Psychedelics trends 2020: Pandemic highlights need for mental health alternatives

Florian Brand, co-founder and CEO of privately held ATAI Life Sciences, told INN he came into 2020 expecting a natural progression of the interest in therapies using psychedelics. But instead the executive found a significant jump in attention, thanks in large part to the focus on mental health created by the effects of a global pandemic.

Brand said the uncertainty surrounding COVID-19 has “precipitated an increased focus on mental health and the failures of our current standards of care.”

Doug Drysdale, CEO of Cybin (NEO:CYBN), echoed Brand’s sentiment, saying he believes the pandemic accelerated the acceptance of using alternative methods to treat mental health issues.

“We are seeing a paradigm shift in the public view and complacency for the norm of Big Pharma traditional, (and) in many cases dangerous and non-effective, treatments,” Josh Bartch, CEO of Mydecine Innovations Group (CSE:MYCO), told INN.

Psychedelics trends 2020: Executives ask for patience in face of growing buzz

As the psychedelics industry first started to develop, it became clear that one of the most direct points of comparison would be with the cannabis industry.

“Had cannabis not come along, it probably would have been a longer road to be having some of these conversations,” Ronan Levy, co-founder and executive chairman of Field Trip Health (CSE:FTRP), previously told INN.

To a degree it’s understandable, as both are alternative drug markets exploring new uses in the face of strict regulations. But some members of the psychedelics industry have been quick to deter investors from believing psychedelics will see similar hype runs to those experienced in the cannabis industry.

This leaves the question of if investors should play the market or get ready for long-term bets only.

Payton Nyquvest, chairman and CEO of Numinus Wellness (TSXV:NUMI), previously told INN that anyone entering this space has to understand the long-term roadmap ahead. “There’s no quick pathway to be able to do this,” he said.

Brand said it’s the responsibility of psychedelics companies to fully research these compounds and learn their entire medical benefits, as well as the potential risks attached.

“Viewing psychedelics as a panacea is alluring, but in reality there’s risks we still need to quantify,” said Brand of ATAI Life Sciences. “It’s incumbent on us and others in the space to build out the data and support for safe and accessible treatment, and not let excitement get ahead of the hard work to build a sustainable, impactful industry.”

Drysdale told INN that in his view the most challenging aspect for the psychedelics market in 2020 was the pressure to gain credibility and attention due to the rush of companies going public.

“Psychedelics are leading with science, creating massive intellectual property (IP) opportunities, and both of these things rely on regulation holding the industry to standards and pace,” Kelsey Ramsden, president and CEO Mind Cure Health (CSE:MCUR,OTCQB:MCURF), told INN. “As a company who is in high-growth mode with fast-moving IP projects, being patient can be challenging.”

That sentiment of longevity for investments was echoed by Carleton, who said he sees the psychedelics market as a “pharma play.”

Hoyos told INN the industry needs to be careful to not repeat the mistakes made in the cannabis space, which led to a large part of the sector wanting to make a quick buck compared to growing steadily.

“For investing in the space, I think the full value will be realized in the longer term, but there will be opportunities for exit liquidity events a lot sooner,” Hoyos added.

Psychedelics trends 2020: Studies set path for changing perspectives

One of the biggest factors helping psychedelics is the launch and continuation of medical studies evaluating particular drug treatments based on psychedelics and boosting the legitimacy of the industry.

Timothy Ko, CEO at Entheon Biomedical (CSE:ENBI), told INN that 2020 will be remembered as a year in which the psychedelics industry established itself and came into the spotlight thanks to the work of those “who have historically utilized, researched and spoken for the value of psychedelic compounds.”

Investors will need to keep an eye on the development of several studies moving forward, as these will offer the most concrete answers on whose drugs are worth betting on. These studies, particularly those to obtain approval from the US Food and Drug Administration, are extremely lengthy and costly events for the companies in play.

“I think the challenge and gift of regulation resting in the balance of scientific proof is what will both make this a stable and rapidly growing investment sector,” Ramsden said.

Thanks to recognition from medical authorities, more investors are starting to look into what’s at stake with psychedelics.

Psychedelics trends 2020: Investor takeaway

The psychedelics industry found its groove in 2020 and discovered investors ready to listen and get involved. This growth in attention may be partially due to the effects of lockdowns and the uncertainty caused by COVID-19, but it is also backed by the medical research being conducted.

In 2020, investors discovered the enthusiasm for psychedelics goes well beyond college dorm rooms.

Don’t forget to follow us @INN_LifeScience for real-time news updates!

Securities Disclosure: I, Bryan Mc Govern, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.

Editorial Disclosure: Cybin, Mind Cure Health, Numinus Wellness and Universal Ibogaine are clients of the Investing News Network. This article is not paid-for content.

The Investing News Network does not guarantee the accuracy or thoroughness of the information reported in the interviews it conducts. The opinions expressed in these interviews do not reflect the opinions of the Investing News Network and do not constitute investment advice. All readers are encouraged to perform their own due diligence.

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Push for Alternative Therapies Prods Researchers Towards Psilocybin

‍FinancialBuzz.com News Commentary

NEW YORK, Dec. 15, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — The psychedelics market is currently navigating a similar legal situation to the one the cannabis market found itself in for many years. Psychedelics are not legal for recreational use in Canada or the United States, yet medical research on the efficiency of such products may help reduce some of the stigma around them. In fact, some major developments have already begun to change the landscape for the better in this market. For example, earlier in 2019, the state of Colorado became the first state to decriminalize Magic Mushrooms (mushrooms containing psilocybin), taking the substance on a similar path to legalization as that of cannabis. Then, in November 2019, the FDA awarded the second Breakthrough Therapy designation to non-profit Usona Institute, which is studying the effects of psilocybin as an anti-depressant. Currently, despite the obstacles imposed by the legal status for such products, the psychedelic drugs market is expected to expand with a CAGR of 16.3%, reaching USD 6,859.95 Million by 2027, according to Data Bridge Market Research. Mydecine Innovations Group Inc. (OTC: MYCOF) (CSE: MYCO), Havn Life Sciences Inc. (OTC: HAVLF), Revive Therapeutics Ltd. (OTC: RVVTF), Mind Medicine (MindMed) Inc. (OTC: MMEDF), Hollister Biosciences Inc. (OTC: HSTRF)

In recent years, there has been a significant flow of new information describing the effects of psychedelic compounds on the brain. For instance, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences published data that helped explain that, under the influence of psilocybin, one of such active compounds often found in various types of mushrooms, the brain creates a feedback loop of neuron activity and neurotransmitter release (the chemical messengers that neurons use to communicate). According to the study, this provides an understanding of why psilocybin is showing considerable promise as a therapeutic intervention for neuropsychiatric disorders including depression, anxiety, and addiction. “Using this model will be crucial for truly understanding how psilocybin can rebalance neuropsychiatric disorders such as treatment-resistant depression and addiction,” Morten Kringlebach, the study’s first author and a senior research fellow at the University of Oxford, explained according to Inverse.

Mydecine Innovations Group Inc. (OTC: MYCOF) (CSE: MYCO) announced last week, “that it has completed its first commercial harvest of 20 kilograms of psilocybin mushrooms at its research and cultivation facility in Jamaica. The Company is now preparing to export the harvest to its Canadian cGMP Facility which has a Health Canada schedule 1 Dealer’s License attached to it, allowing for legal import.

‘We are pleased to announce the completion of our first commercial harvest of natural psilocybin mushrooms,’ said Joshua Bartch, CEO and Chairman of Mydecine. ‘There is more research needed on these compounds in order to better understand the entourage effect experienced by patients which has shown dramatically effective results compared to single-molecule synthetic psilocybin in preliminary studies. As the industry grows, the need for naturally occurring psilocybin and access to large quantities of these molecules will be paramount and we are excited to be the first to advance this movement at scale.’

Once received by the Company’s facility in Canada, the psilocybin mushrooms will be extracted, purified, and turned into a cGMP final product for controlled therapeutic purposes. Mydecine’s final product be made available for purchase by other licensed institutions and companies conducting clinical research into the efficacy of these compounds to treat various health conditions including anxiety, addiction, depression and PTSD. Portions of the harvest will also be used for Mydecine’s proprietary genetic, pharmacology, and clinical research. The clinical use will be for the studies and developing protocols of psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy to treat PTSD in veterans and other frontline workers.”

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Mydecine Innovations Group Engages the ProPharma Group to Proceed with FDA Filings and Approval for Novel Research and Multiple Phase Clinical Trials

Published at YahooFinance.com

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DENVER, Dec. 15, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Mydecine Innovations Group (CSE: MYCO) (OTC: MYCOF) (“Mydecine” or the “Company”), an emerging biopharma and life sciences company committed to the research, development, and acceptance of alternative nature-sourced therapeutic medicine for mainstream use, announced that it has partnered with ProPharma Group, the leading provider of regulatory and compliance services to the pharmaceutical, biotech, and medical device industries. As part of the agreement, ProPharma Group will provide regulatory advisement as the company seeks approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for its drug development platform as well as the Company’s various stage clinical trials.

“ProPharma Group is a globally recognized firm with a strong track record of working with life sciences and biopharma companies to ensure full compliance with all FDA regulations, including all necessary steps for eventual global federal approvals,” said Josh Bartch, CEO and Co-Founder of Mydecine. “Mydecine currently has a jam-packed clinical trial calendar with plans to expand it to include additional various phase trials throughout the globe. Additionally, Mydecine has built a strong IP position in the psychedelics space. As we build upon our drug development platform, ProPharma Group will be a key partner for us as we explore the most efficient regulatory pathway in our mission to bring innovative treatments to the forefront for people suffering from mental health issues like PTSD and addiction.”

For more than 35 years, ProPharma Group has played an instrumental role helping its clients advance viable and efficient drug development pathways and solutions utilizing its scientific and regulatory acumen as well as its expertise in FDA, regulatory, quality and compliance, and company-related matters. With decades of experience and a positive working relationship with the FDA, ProPharma Group will serve as a key partner as Mydecine moves its drug pipeline and clinical research trials forward in an effort to increase compatibility and safety of psychedelics for therapeutic use.

“ProPharma Group has long held the leading position in working with our clients to develop strategies and supply them with viable and efficient drug development pathways and compliance solutions,” said Matthew Weinberg, Global VP for Regulatory Affairs, ProPharma Group. “Mydecine has shown a solid execution track record and is well positioned to lead in the development of the international psychedelics industry as regulations evolve. We look forward to working with the Mydecine team as they seek FDA approval for their clinical trials and drug development pipeline.”

About Mydecine Innovations Group
Mydecine Innovations Group™ is a life sciences company dedicated to developing and commercializing innovative solutions for treating mental health problems and enhancing wellbeing. The company’s world-renowned medical and scientific advisory board is progressing a robust R&D pipeline of psychedelic derived therapeutics, novel compounds, therapies, and controlled drug delivery systems. Mydecine has exclusive access to a full cGMP certified pharmaceutical manufacturing facility with the ability to import/export, extract, and analyze natural and synthetic psychedelic compounds with full government approval through Health Canada.

Learn more at: https://www.mydecine.com/ and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

About ProPharma Group
ProPharma Group is the only truly global, independent, single-source provider of regulatory, compliance, pharmacovigilance, and medical information services serving pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and medical device firms. Our team of experts brings a comprehensive portfolio of regulatory and compliance solutions to help solve complex challenges in a dynamic regulatory environment. With our mission to improve the health and safety of patients, we are focused on delivering the highest quality of services throughout the full product lifecycle.

Learn more at https://www.propharmagroup.com

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The Canadian Securities Exchange has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this news release and accepts no responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy hereof. This news release contains forward-looking statements, which relate to future events or future performance and reflect management’s current expectations and assumptions. Such forward-looking statements reflect management’s current beliefs and are based on assumptions made by and information currently available to the Company. Readers are cautioned that these forward-looking statements are neither promises nor guarantees, and are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause future results to differ materially from those expected including, without limitation, the availability and continuity of financing, the ability of the Company to adequately protect and enforce its intellectual property, the Company’s ability to bring its products to commercial production, continued growth of the global adaptive pathway medicine, natural health products and digital health industries, and the risks presented by the highly regulated and competitive market concerning the development, production, sale and use of the Company’s products. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such information. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date hereof and the Company does not assume any obligation to update or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances save as required under applicable securities legislation. This news release does not constitute an offer to sell securities and the Company is not soliciting an offer to buy securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of such jurisdiction. This news release does not constitute an offer of securities for sale in the United States. These securities have not and will not be registered under United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold in the United States or to a U.S. Person unless so registered, or an exemption from registration is relied upon.

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HAVN LIFE SCIENCES ANNOUNCES $5 MILLION BOUGHT DEAL FINANCING

NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWS WIRE SERVICES OR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES

Vancouver, BC – Havn Life Sciences Inc. (CSE : HAVN) (FSE : 5NP) (the “Company” or “Havn Life”) is pleased to announce that it has entered into an agreement with Eight Capital, pursuant to which Eight Capital has agreed to buy, on a bought deal basis, 4,673,000 units (“Units”) at a price of $1.07 per Unit (the “Issue Price”), for gross proceeds of approximately $5,000,100 (the “Offering”). Each Unit will consist of one common share in the capital of the Company (a “Share”) and one warrant (a “Warrant”), with each Warrant entitling the holder thereof to purchase one additional Share at an exercise price of $1.34 for a period of 36 months from the date of issuance. The Offering is expected to close on or about January 8, 2021 and is subject to the Company receiving all necessary regulatory approvals.

The Company has agreed to grant Eight Capital an over-allotment option to purchase up to an additional 15% of the Units at the Issue Price, exercisable in whole or in part, at any time on or prior to the date that is 30 days following the closing of the Offering. If this option is exercised in full, an additional approximately $750,000 will be raised pursuant to the Offering and the aggregate proceeds of the Offering will be approximately $5,750,000.

The net proceeds of the Offering will be used for working capital and general corporate purposes.

The Units will be offered by way of a short form prospectus in each of the provinces of Canada, except Quebec, and may also be offered by way of private placement in the United States as well as to offshore investors pursuant to relevant prospectus or registration exemptions in accordance with applicable laws.

The securities offered have not been and will not be registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or under any state securities laws, and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements thereunder. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy, nor shall there be any sale of the securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful.

On Behalf of The Board of Directors
Tim Moore
Chief Executive Officer

About Havn Life Sciences Inc.

Havn Life Sciences is a Canadian biotechnology company pursuing standardized extraction of psychoactive compounds, the development of natural healthcare products, and innovative mental health treatment to support brain health and enhance the capabilities of the mind. Learn more at: havnlife.com and follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

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