Novamind to Host Bionomics’ PREVAIL Trial for Acute Treatment of Social Anxiety Disorder

Novamind to Host Bionomics’ PREVAIL Trial for Acute Treatment of Social Anxiety Disorder

TORONTO, ON / May 10, 2022 / Novamind Inc. (CSE: NM | OTCQB: NVMDF | FSE: HN2)(“Novamind” or the “Company”), a leading mental health company specialized in psychedelic medicine, today announced it has been selected to host a clinical trial for the acute treatment of social anxiety disorder (SAD), an understudied and common mental health condition that affects nearly 15 million American adults.1 The phase II randomized clinical study for the acute treatment of SAD (the “PREVAIL Trial”) is sponsored by Bionomics Limited, a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company (“Bionomics”) (Nasdaq: BNOX | ASX: BNO) and is currently enrolling patients at Novamind’s Draper, Utah, research site.

The PREVAIL Trial will examine the safety and efficacy of Bionomics’ propriety drug candidate, BNC210, versus a placebo in reducing self-reported anxiety severity when participants take part in an anxiety-provoking behavioral task involving a speaking challenge. People with SAD experience extreme fear in social situations, when meeting new people or speaking in front of others, which can severely and negatively impact relationships, work and daily life. Current medical interventions include SSRIs, beta-blockers and anti-anxiety medications such as benzodiazepines.

Dr. Reid Robison, Chief Medical Officer and Principal Investigator, commented: “Social Anxiety Disorder is an understudied mental health condition and yet it’s very common with widespread impact across multiple domains of life. Existing medications for social anxiety are slow to work or are fraught with adverse effects. It’s exciting to participate in studying a drug with a novel mechanism like BNC210 that could offer patients an alternate treatment option.”

The PREVAIL Trial is the second Bionomics study hosted by Novamind. In 2021, the Company announced it was selected to host a phase IIb randomized clinical trial investigating BNC210 as a treatment for PTSD. BNC210 has Fast Track designations from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of both PTSD and SAD, a process designed to facilitate development and expedite the review of drugs that address an unmet medical need for serious conditions.

Dr. Robison continued, “Working with leading drug developers continues to advance critical mental health research through a variety of compounds and widens the spectrum of conditions under investigation at Novamind’s clinical research sites.”

Novamind is focused on bringing innovative treatments to the world through its clinical research sites and is currently investigating new treatments for PTSD, Tourette’s Syndrome, schizophrenia, treatment-resistant depression, major depressive disorder, traumatic brain injury, bipolar disorder and autism.

To learn more about the PREVAIL Trial, please visit this link.

About Novamind
Novamind is a leading mental health company enabling safe access to psychedelic medicine through a network of clinics and clinical research sites. Novamind provides ketamine-assisted psychotherapy and other novel treatments through its network of integrative mental health clinics and operates a full-service contract research organization specialized in clinical trials and evidence-based research for psychedelic medicine. For more information on how Novamind is enhancing mental wellness and guiding people through their entire healing journey, visit novamind.ca.

Contact Information
Yaron Conforti, CEO and Director
Telephone: +1 (647) 953 9512

Samantha DeLenardo, VP, Communications
Email: media@novamind.ca

Investor Relations
Email: IR@novamind.ca

Forward-Looking Statements
This news release contains forward-looking statements. All statements other than statements of historical fact included in this release are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Company’s expectations including the risks detailed from time to time in the Company’s public disclosure. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking information. Forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date of this news release and the Company will update or revise publicly any of the included forward-looking statements as expressly required by applicable laws.

1: https://adaa.org/understanding-anxiety/social-anxiety-disorder

Novamind Announces Virtual Group Health Coaching

Novamind Announces Virtual Group Health Coaching

Collaboration with HealCommunity offers remote access to reimbursable group therapy option

TORONTO, ON / May 2, 2022 / Novamind Inc. (CSE: NM | OTCQB: NVMDF | FSE: HN2) (“Novamind” or the “Company”), a leading mental health company specialized in psychedelic medicine, is pleased to announce its collaboration with virtual health coaching experts, HealCommunity, to provide remote group therapy and behavioral health coaching to Novamind’s clients (the “Coaching Program”). The collaboration expands Novamind’s range of care options to include leading virtual care alternatives that leverage the power of group therapy to improve patient outcomes.

People living with chronic physical health conditions experience depression and anxiety at twice the rate of the general population, while people with mental illness risk developing chronic illnesses.1 Such cases are complex and can benefit from interventions that address root causes and overlapping health concerns,2 with research indicating better patient outcomes and lower costs when delivered in a group versus individual setting.3 The Coaching Program is one of several cohort-based treatment programs under the recently launched Groups by Novamind clinical care model and targets root causes of chronic health conditions contributing to mental illness.

Dr. Reid Robison, Chief Medical Officer, commented: “As an organization, we believe in addressing the underlying root causes, rather than simply addressing symptoms. Through this collaboration with HealCommunity, we’ll be more equipped to treat the whole person by incorporating lifestyle interventions that are curated to the individual needs and challenges faced by our clients. We’ve seen time and time again that sustained improvements in mental health begin with healthy foundations, and the Coaching Program is an exciting opportunity to harness the power of peer support and lifestyle medicine to promote healing and growth.”

James Maskell, CEO and Co-Founder, HealCommunity, said: “Patient adherence is high inside the community setting with coaching, listening and peer support. We find that patients can prevent and even reverse chronic issues and healthcare payers benefit by avoiding escalating mental healthcare costs.”

The Coaching Program is eligible for reimbursement by major insurance providers and complements Novamind’s behavioral health treatments with lifestyle education, individual coaching calls, and group interaction led by HealCommunity’s National Board-Certified Health and Wellness Coaches. Patients are matched with a peer and enrolled for six months during which time a Novamind licensed practitioner provides diagnostic services and treatments and participates in each live session. The first cohort of the Coaching Program is underway and is scheduled to complete in July 2022.

About Novamind
Novamind is a leading mental health company enabling safe access to psychedelic medicine through a network of clinics and clinical research sites. Novamind provides ketamine-assisted psychotherapy and other novel treatments through its network of integrative mental health clinics and operates a full-service contract research organization specialized in clinical trials and evidence-based research for psychedelic medicine. For more information on how Novamind is enhancing mental wellness and guiding people through their entire healing journey, visit novamind.ca.

Contact Information
Yaron Conforti, CEO and Director
Telephone: +1 (647) 953 9512

Samantha DeLenardo, VP, Communications
Email: media@novamind.ca

Investor Relations
Email: IR@novamind.ca

Forward-Looking Statements
This news release contains forward-looking statements. All statements other than statements of historical fact included in this release are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Company’s expectations including the risks detailed from time to time in the Company’s public disclosure. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking information. Forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date of this news release and the Company will update or revise publicly any of the included forward-looking statements as expressly required by applicable laws.

1: https://ontario.cmha.ca/documents/the-relationship-between-mental-health-mental-illness-and-chronic-physical-conditions/
https://www.cdc.gov/pcd/issues/2020/20_0130.htm
2: https://newsroom.clevelandclinic.org/2019/10/25/cleveland-clinic-study-finds-functional-medicine-model-is-associated-with-improvements-in-health-related-quality-of-life/
3: https://bmjopen.bmj.com/content/11/4/e048294

Numinus acquires Novamind

Numinus Wellness (NUMI) is acquiring Novamind (NM) for C$26.2M or $0.44 per share, a 51% premium on Novamind’s 20-day average. 

The combined company will run 13 wellness clinics and 4 psychedelic research sites focused on depression, anxiety, PTSD, and addiction.

Here’s some more info on the transaction:

PDF of article

Numinus to Acquire Novamind, Creating the North American Industry Leader in Psychedelic Therapy and Research

Numinus to Acquire Novamind, Creating the North American Industry Leader in Psychedelic Therapy and Research

  • Complementary businesses combine to create a preeminent North American platform with operations spanning 13 wellness clinics, four research sites and one bioanalytical laboratory
  • Shared mission of responsibly reintroducing psychedelic therapy to mental healthcare
  • Hosting clinical trials for MDMA (MAPS Public Benefit Corporation), psilocybin (the Usona Institute), LSD (MindMed) and ketamine (the University of Utah)
  • Combined C$10 million in annual pro-forma revenue based on the trailing four quarters
  • Acquisition is expected to generate C$3 million in annual cost synergies
  • Transaction expected to close in June 2022, following anticipated shareholder approval

VANCOUVER, BC & TORONTO, ON / April 12, 2022 / Numinus Wellness Inc. (“Numinus”, the “Company”) (TSX: NUMI) (OTCQX: NUMIF) and Novamind Inc. (“Novamind”) (CSE: NM) (OTCQB: NVMDF) (FSE: HN2), are pleased to announce that they have entered into a definitive arrangement agreement (the “Agreement”) pursuant to which Numinus will acquire all of the issued and outstanding common shares of Novamind (the “Novamind Shares”) in an all-share transaction, by way of a court-approved plan of arrangement, for total consideration of approximately C$26.2 million on a fully diluted in-the-money basis (the “Transaction”).

Following the Transaction, the combined company will operate 13 wellness clinics and will be positioned as a leading psychedelic-assisted therapy provider in North America, leading its peer group in revenue with approximately C$10 million in annual pro-forma revenue based on the trailing four quarters.

“Since Numinus began, we have always strived to be the most trusted, evidence-based leader in psychedelic-assisted therapy and medicine. The Novamind acquisition presents a transformational opportunity for Numinus to launch a strong U.S. platform through eight established, reputable, efficiently operating and revenue-producing clinics,” says Payton Nyquvest, Founder and CEO, Numinus. “We prioritize working with the best partners in this industry and Novamind’s U.S. market presence, complementary client programming and respected clinical research capabilities allow us to accelerate our strategic growth plans and broaden access to healing and wellness.”

Mr. Nyquvest continued: “We expect this acquisition will significantly bolster our financial performance, growing Numinus’ annual revenue to more than five times our current levels, and driving meaningful margin improvement through identified operating efficiencies. Our combined capabilities will deliver exceptional value for our clients, employees, and shareholders. We look forward to welcoming the Novamind team to the Numinus family.”

Yaron Conforti, CEO and Co-Founder, Novamind, said, “This transaction offers significant value for Novamind’s shareholders and provides compelling new opportunities for our employees, patients and research partners. The combination of Novamind’s network of mental health clinics and research sites in the U.S. and Numinus’ leadership in psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy in Canada creates a best-in-class company. The combined entity is supported with over C$50 million in pro-forma capital and positioned with distinct capabilities to serve a growing and diverse group of stakeholders. We are excited to join Numinus, a true leader in mental health innovation.”

Proposed Transaction

Under the terms of the Agreement, shareholders of Novamind (“Novamind Shareholders”) will receive 0.84 of a common share of Numinus (the “Exchange Ratio”) for each Novamind share held, implying an offer price of $0.44 per Novamind Share. The offer price represents a premium of 51% to Novamind’s 20-day volume-weighted average price (“VWAP”) on the Canadian Securities Exchange (the “CSE”) as of April 8, 2022. After giving effect to the Transaction, Novamind Shareholders will hold ~18% ownership in the pro-forma company (on a fully diluted in-the-money basis).

Key Transaction Highlights

  • Creates an industry-leading North American platform for psychedelic clinics and clinical research.
  • Increased client programming with complementary service offerings to be shared and expanded across the combined clinic network.
    • Best-in-class service offering with clinics providing a wide range of traditional, innovative and psychedelic mental health treatments that can be appropriately matched to each client’s needs. Services include ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP), Spravato (esketamine), transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), talk therapy, group therapy, medication management, psychedelic palliative care and neurological care. Clinics will also offer family and couples counselling, as well as in-person and virtual group therapy for expanded access to innovative treatments.
  • Combines Novamind’s distinguished clinical research site management capabilities with Numinus Bioscience’s bioanalytical laboratory expertise, resulting in a comprehensive clinical research offering.
    • Novamind’s U.S. DEA Schedule 1 licenses for psilocybin research complement Numinus Bioscience’s extensive Health Canada Controlled Drugs & Substances License to possess, produce, assemble, sell, export, deliver, research, and test a wide range of psychedelic drugs and botanical materials, including DMT, ketamine, LSD, MDMA, mescaline, psilocin, psilocybin, ayahuasca and San Pedro.
  • Accelerates Numinus’ path to profitability:
    • Novamind’s U.S. DEA Schedule 1 licenses for psilocybin research complement Numinus Bioscience’s extensive Health Canada Controlled Drugs & Substances License to possess, produce, assemble, sell, export, deliver, research, and test a wide range of psychedelic drugs and botanical materials, including DMT, ketamine, LSD, MDMA, mescaline, psilocin, psilocybin, ayahuasca and San Pedro.
  • Participation by Novamind shareholders in the future of Numinus: Novamind shareholders will receive Numinus common shares, listed on both the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) and the OTC Markets Group’s OTCQX, pursuant to the closing of the Transaction.

Clinic Leadership

The combined company will operate 13 wellness clinics in focused geographies across the U.S. and Canada, and will continue developing and scaling innovative psychedelic therapy protocols and procedures for screening, preparation, dosing and integration targeting difficult-to-treat mental health conditions, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), COVID-19 burnout, depression, addiction and eating disorders. Operationally, the combined company will benefit from a centralized client care center for managing client inquiries, scheduling clients with appropriate providers, coordinating physician referral intakes, fulfilling prescription requests and facilitating insurance authorizations. The company’s Utah clinics have secured approval for direct billing of intravenous (IV) ketamine for treatment-resistant depression from four major health insurance providers.

Research Leadership

The combined company will operate four clinical research sites and a bioanalytical laboratory, all of which are currently supporting leading drug developers in psychedelic medicine with critical infrastructure and services. Select ongoing psychedelic medicine clinical trials include:

  • A single-arm, open-label, compassionate access trial for MDMA-assisted therapy that has made significant progress toward treating patients with PTSD hosted in collaboration with MAPS Public Benefit Corporation (MAPS PBC);
  • A phase II clinical trial investigating psilocybin for major depressive disorder sponsored by the Usona Institute;
  • An open-label compassionate access trial of psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy for substance use disorders;
  • A phase IIb randomized clinical trial investigating lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) for generalized anxiety disorder in adults sponsored by MindMed;
  • A phase I randomized clinical trial investigating the safety and efficacy of KAP combined with Mindfulness-Oriented Recovery Enhancement therapy for the treatment of adults with opioid use disorder in collaboration with the University of Utah.

The combined company will benefit from drug developers’ high R&D spend and offers unprecedented capabilities for psychedelic clinical research from pre-clinical studies through phase IV trials.

Pro-Forma Financial Information:

Additional Transaction Information

Key Novamind personnel have entered into employment agreements that will become effective on closing, and/or will enter into non-competition, non-solicitation and standstill agreements on closing.

Numinus’ executive team and board will remain in place, with the Company being led by CEO Payton Nyquvest.

Completion of the Transaction is subject to a number of conditions including the receipt of regulatory, TSX and CSE approvals. Pursuant to TSX and CSE rules, the Transaction must also be approved by both Numinus’ and Novamind’s shareholders. Following anticipated shareholder approvals, the Transaction is expected to close in June 2022, at which point all Novamind operations will transition to Numinus branding.

Cozen O’Connor LLP is serving as legal counsel and Eight Capital is acting as financial advisor to Numinus. McMillan LLP is acting as legal counsel to Novamind.

Special Meetings and Information Circulars

Numinus will be convening a special meeting of its shareholders to consider the Transaction. Numinus currently anticipates that the special meeting will be held in early June 2022 and that an information circular containing additional details regarding the business of the special meeting will be mailed to shareholders in mid-May.

Novamind will be convening a special meeting of its shareholders to approve the Transaction. Novamind currently anticipates that the special meeting will be held in early June 2022 and that an information circular containing additional details regarding the business of the special meeting will be mailed to shareholders in mid-May.

Boards of Directors Recommendation and Voting Support

The arrangement has been unanimously approved by the boards of directors of both Numinus and Novamind (with an interested director abstaining). Directors and officers of Novamind holding in aggregate 31% of the outstanding Novamind Shares, have entered into customary voting and support agreements to, amongst other things, vote in favour of the arrangement at the special meeting of Novamind shareholders to be held to consider the transaction.

Eight Capital is acting as financial advisor to Numinus’ board of directors. The board of directors, based upon their investigations, concluded that the Transaction is in the best interests of Numinus shareholders, and will be recommending that shareholders vote in favour of a resolution at the special meeting of shareholders.

Clarus Securities has provided a fairness opinion to Novamind’s board of directors (the “Novamind Board”) and a special committee of independent directors of the Novamind Board (the “Novamind Special Committee”) formed to, among other things, review and evaluate the terms of the Transaction and has provided its opinion that, as of the date of the opinion and subject to the assumptions and limitations contained in such opinion, Numinus’ offered price is fair, from a financial point of view, to Novamind. The Novamind board of directors, based upon, among other things, their investigations and the recommendation of the Novamind Special Committee, including their consideration of that fairness opinion concluded that the Transaction is in the best interests of Novamind shareholders, and will be recommending that shareholders vote in favour of a resolution at its special meeting of shareholders.

Investor Presentation and Conference Call

A presentation for the investment community with highlights of the Transaction will be available on Numinus’ investor relations website at: https://www.investors.numinus.com/events-and-presentations

Highlights of the Transaction will also be discussed on Numinus’ upcoming Q2 2022 results conference call, occurring at 5:30 pm ET / 2:30 pm PT on Thursday, April 14, 2022.

To listen to the live webcast, please register at: https://event.on24.com/wcc/r/3723657/8A7C51BC48923FC18A54C2754EF10DBA

The webcast will also be archived on the Events and Presentations page of Numinus’ Investor Relations website: https://www.investors.numinus.com/events-and-presentations

To participate in the live conference call, please use the following dial-in information: 1 (888) 330-3632 (Toll-free North America) 1 (646) 960-0837 (International)

Please ask to participate in Numinus’ Q2 2022 Results Call. To avoid any delays in joining the call, please dial in at least five minutes prior to the call start time. If prompted, please provide conference passcode 3547386.

About Numinus
Numinus Wellness (TSX: NUMI) helps people to heal and be well through the development and delivery of innovative mental health care and access to safe, evidence-based psychedelic-assisted therapies. The Numinus model – including psychedelic production, research and clinic care – is at the forefront of a transformation aimed at healing rather than managing symptoms for depression, anxiety, trauma, pain and substance use. At Numinus, we are leading the integration of psychedelic-assisted therapies into mainstream clinical practice and building the foundation for a healthier society.

Learn more at www.numinus.com and follow us on LinkedInFacebookTwitter, and Instagram.

About Novamind
Novamind is a leading mental health company enabling safe access to psychedelic medicine through a network of clinics and clinical research sites. Novamind provides ketamine-assisted psychotherapy and other novel treatments through its network of integrative mental health clinics and operates a full-service contract research organization specialized in clinical trials and evidence-based research for psychedelic medicine. For more information on how Novamind is enhancing mental wellness and guiding people through their entire healing journey, visit novamind.ca.

Forward-Looking Statements
This news release includes certain “forward‐looking information” and “forward‐looking statements” (collectively “forward‐looking statements”) within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation, including statements regarding the plans, intentions, beliefs and current expectations of the Company with respect to future business activities and operating performance. All statements in this news release that address events or developments that the Company expects to occur in the future are forward‐looking statements. Forward‐looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are often identified by words such as “expect”, “plan”, “anticipate”, “project”, “target”, “potential”, “schedule”, “forecast”, “budget”, “estimate”, “intend” or “believe” and similar expressions or their negative connotations, or that events or conditions “will”, “would”, “may”, “could”, “should” or “might” occur, and include information regarding: (i) expectations regarding whether the proposed Transaction will be consummated, including whether conditions to the consummation of the Transaction will be satisfied, or the timing for completing the Transaction and receiving the required securityholder, regulatory and court approvals, (ii) the anticipated timing of the securityholder meeting of the Company and the mailing of the information circular in respect of the meeting; (iii) expectations regarding the potential benefits of the Transaction and the ability of the combined company to successfully achieve business objectives; and (iv) expectations for other economic, business, and/or competitive factors.

Forward‐looking statements necessarily involve assumptions, risks and uncertainties, certain of which are beyond the Company’s control. These forward‐looking statements are qualified in their entirety by cautionary statements and risk factor disclosure contained in filings made by the Company with the Canadian securities regulators, including the Company’s financial statements and related MD&A for the financial year ended August 31, 2021 and its interim financial statements and related MD&A for the three months ended November 30, 2021, all filed with the securities regulatory authorities in all provinces and territories of Canada, except Québec, and available under the Company’s profile at www.sedar.com. The risk factors are not exhaustive of the factors that may affect the Company’s forward‐looking statements. The Company’s forward‐looking statements are based on the applicable assumptions and factors management considers reasonable as of the date hereof, based on the information available to management of the Company at such time. The Company does not assume any obligation to update forward‐looking statements if circumstances or management’s beliefs, expectations or opinions should change other than as required by applicable securities laws. There can be no assurance that forward‐looking statements will prove to be accurate, and actual results, performance or achievements could differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, these forward‐looking statements. Accordingly, undue reliance should not be placed on forward‐looking statements.

For more information:

Numinus – Investor Contact
Jamie Kokoska
Vice President, Investor Relations & Communications
jamie.kokoska@numinus.com
+1 833-686-4687

Numinus – Media Contact
Hilary Strath
Director, Communications
hilary.strath@numinus.com

Novamind – Investor and Media Contact
Samantha DeLenardo
Vice President, Communications
media@novamind.ca
+1 (647) 953 9512

Novamind Opens 8th Integrative Psychiatry Clinic

Novamind Opens 8th Integrative Psychiatry Clinic

New clinic in Phoenix, AZ, offers innovative mental health treatments and group therapy

TORONTO, ON / April 6, 2022 / Novamind Inc. (CSE: NM | OTCQB: NVMDF | FSE: HN2) (“Novamind” or the “Company”), a leading mental health company specialized in psychedelic medicine, today expanded its network to Phoenix, Arizona, with the opening of its eighth integrative psychiatry clinic (the “Phoenix Clinic”).

The Phoenix Clinic—Novamind’s second clinic in Arizona—is staffed with a multidisciplinary team of prescribing providers and therapists and offers a range of mental health services including treatment programs for ADHD, depression, OCD, autism, eating disorders, anxiety, sexual and physical trauma, and PTSD. The team has advanced training in child and adolescent psychiatry and is also specialized in care for military and first responders.

“Since the closing of our acquisition in January, we have worked closely with our team in Arizona to add a second clinic in that state, expanding the reach of our high quality, innovative mental health services,” commented Prakash Gowd, Chief Operating Officer, Novamind. “We are excited to officially open the new Phoenix Clinic as another step forward in our goal to provide accessible mental healthcare.”

In addition to one-on-one mental health treatment, the spacious Phoenix Clinic accommodates cohort-based treatment and education as part of Groups by Novamind—the Company’s group clinical care model designed to increase access to its innovative services. Children, youth and their families work with licensed therapists for a series of 10-week support groups according to age. The groups focus on building self-esteem and confidence, manage emotions, improve communication and develop problem-solving skills.

“We’re opening our doors at a critical time. The demand for help from parents is significant, which is not a surprise given disruptions from school closures and restricted social activities over the past two years,” said Jeff Edelman, PMHNP, Medical Director at the Phoenix Clinic. “We’ve had a lot of success with the group model because it gives people a safe space to connect with their peers, discover their own strengths, talk about their issues and learn new skills.”

The Phoenix Clinic is located at 2400 W Dunlap Ave, Suite 124, Phoenix, AZ 85021.

Phoenix Clinic

About Novamind
Novamind is a leading mental health company enabling safe access to psychedelic medicine through a network of clinics and clinical research sites. Novamind provides ketamine-assisted psychotherapy and other novel treatments through its network of integrative mental health clinics and operates a full-service contract research organization specialized in clinical trials and evidence-based research for psychedelic medicine. For more information on how Novamind is enhancing mental wellness and guiding people through their entire healing journey, visit novamind.ca.

Contact Information
Yaron Conforti, CEO and Director
Telephone: +1 (647) 953 9512

Samantha DeLenardo, VP, Communications
Email: media@novamind.ca

Investor Relations
Email: IR@novamind.ca

Forward-Looking Statements
This news release contains forward-looking statements. All statements other than statements of historical fact included in this release are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Company’s expectations including the risks detailed from time to time in the Company’s public disclosure. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking information. Forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date of this news release and the Company will update or revise publicly any of the included forward-looking statements as expressly required by applicable laws.

Novamind Partner to Acquire Specialized Ibogaine Group in Brazil

Novamind Partner to Acquire Specialized Ibogaine Group in Brazil

Bienstar plans to build LATAM’s first network of integrative mental health clinics

TORONTO, ON / March 31, 2022 / Novamind Inc. (CSE: NM | OTCQB: NVMDF | FSE: HN2) (“Novamind” or the “Company”), a leading mental health company specialized in psychedelic medicine, is pleased to report that its strategic partner, Bienstar Wellness Corp. (“Bienstar”), has signed a letter of intent to acquire BRC Saude Mental E Terapias Assistidas Ltda., a leader in specialized ibogaine treatments for substance use disorder based in Sao Paolo, Brazil (the “Ibogaine Group”).

In December 2021, Novamind announced a strategic investment and advisory agreement with Bienstar. The partnership draws on Novamind’s expertise delivering psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy and its successful and replicable model for clinics and clinical research sites in the United States.

The Ibogaine Group is led by Dr. Bruno Rasmussen, Bienstar’s Chief Medical Officer, a medical doctor and MAPS-trained therapist with over 27 years of experience. Dr. Rasmussen is a pioneer and one of the leading names in psychedelic medicine in Brazil where ketamine and ibogaine are legal for medical use in psychotherapies. Upon signing a definitive agreement, Bienstar will have access to a broad patient base in Brazil—the largest market in Latin America with 215 million people.

Yaron Conforti, CEO and Director, Novamind, commented: “Bienstar is quickly developing Latin America’s first network of mental health clinics specialized in psychedelic medicine. We are pleased to contribute our clinical expertise and renowned therapy protocols to help achieve this vision.”

About Novamind
Novamind is a leading mental health company enabling safe access to psychedelic medicine through a network of clinics and clinical research sites. Novamind provides ketamine-assisted psychotherapy and other novel treatments through its network of integrative mental health clinics and operates a full-service contract research organization specialized in clinical trials and evidence-based research for psychedelic medicine. For more information on how Novamind is enhancing mental wellness and guiding people through their entire healing journey, visit novamind.ca.

Contact Information
Yaron Conforti, CEO and Director
Telephone: +1 (647) 953 9512

Samantha DeLenardo, VP, Communications
Email: media@novamind.ca

Investor Relations
Email: IR@novamind.ca

Forward-Looking Statements
This news release contains forward-looking statements. All statements other than statements of historical fact included in this release are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Company’s expectations including the risks detailed from time to time in the Company’s public disclosure. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking information. Forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date of this news release and the Company will update or revise publicly any of the included forward-looking statements as expressly required by applicable laws.