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Nova Mentis Welcomes New CFO Rebecca Hudson

Nova Mentis Welcomes New CFO Rebecca Hudson

Vancouver, British Columbia – December 31, 2021 –Nova Mentis Life Science Corp. (CSE: NOVA) (FSE: HN3Q) (OTCQB: NMLSF) (“NOVA” or the “Company”), a biotechnology company and global leader in first-in-class psilocybin-based therapeutics and complementary diagnostics for neuroinflammatory disorders, is pleased to announce Rebecca Hudson has joined NOVA as its Chief Financial Officer, adding corporate finance, accounting and risk management experience to the Company’s management team.

“Ms. Hudson has a demonstrated track record of financial management and is known for being a strategic leader who has the necessary expertise to build operations and cultivate partnerships to deliver financial results. We are delighted she has joined our team and look forward to the guidance and leadership she will provide,” says Will Rascan, NOVA’s CEO & President.

Ms. Hudson is a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA, CA) with over 23 years of experience in accounting and financial reporting, corporate finance, risk management, financial audit and corporate governance, serving a range of industries, including mining and exploration, oil and gas, cannabis, manufacturing and retail, and not-for-profit.

“I’m excited to take on this new role and use my experience to help drive corporate strategy and the Company’s growth. I share NOVA’s commitment to financial discipline and their passion for researching novel approaches to help treat neuroinflammatory disorders such as autism spectrum disorder, diabetes and obesity. I look forward to being part of the team and contributing to its success,” says Rebecca Hudson, CPA, CA.

Ms. Hudson holds a Bachelor’s Degree and a Masters of Accounting from the University of Waterloo and has served as CFO, and consulted for, a number of publicly-listed resource companies with projects in North and South America and across Europe.

NOVA would like to thank outgoing CFO Jamie Robinson for his 4+ years of service with the Company and wishes him great success moving forward.

About Nova Mentis Life Science Corp.
Nova Mentis Life Science Corp. is a Canadian-based biotechnology company and global leader in developing diagnostics and psilocybin-based therapeutics for neuroinflammatory disorders. Nova is the first biotech company to receive psilocybin orphan drug designation from both the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Medicines Agency (EMA).

The goal is to diagnose and treat debilitating chronic conditions that have unmet medical needs, such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and Fragile X Syndrome (FXS).

For further information on the Company, please visit novamentis.ca or email info@novamentis.ca.

On Behalf of the Board
Will Rascan, President & CEO
Nova Mentis Life Science Corp.

Phone: 778-819-0244
Toll Free: 1-833-542-5323
Twitter: @novamentislsc
Instagram: @novamentislsc
Facebook: @novamentislsc

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Market Regulator (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

This news release contains statements that constitute “forward-looking statements.” Such forward looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause Nova Mentis Life Science’s actual results, performance or achievements, or developments in the industry to differ materially from the anticipated results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Forward looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, but not always, identified by the words “expects,” “plans,” “anticipates,” “believes,” “intends,” “estimates,” “projects,” “potential” and similar expressions, or that events or conditions “will,” “would,” “may,” “could” or “should” occur.

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Two esteemed doctors join CB Therapeutics in its exploration of innovative approaches to the production of novel psychedelics and cannabinoids so researchers can address the unmet needs of patient communities

Two esteemed doctors join CB Therapeutics in its exploration of innovative approaches to the production of novel psychedelics and cannabinoids so researchers can address the unmet needs of patient communities

SAN DIEGO, Dec. 20, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — CB Therapeutics today announces the appointments of Dr. Stephen Wright and Dr. Brian Barnett to its newly formed Medical Advisory Board.

Dr. Wright has more than 30 years of experience in medicines development, having worked on both sides of the Atlantic in large and small pharmaceutical companies. He was Chief Medical Officer and a Main Board Director of GW Pharmaceuticals from 2004 up to the company’s successful listing on NASDAQ and the development of Epidiolex, which is now heading for blockbuster status. He is currently Senior Medical Adviser to Compass Pathways. Dr. Wright has a Master’s degree in Social and Political Science from the University of Cambridge and is qualified in Medicine (MB BS) at The Royal London Hospital. His other higher degrees include an MD from The University of Cambridge and a Diploma in Pharmaceutical Medicine. He is a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh, is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Medicine and was elected to Fellow of the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Medicine in 2000. In addition, he holds a diploma in Pharmaceutical Business Management from The Wharton School at The University of Pennsylvania.

“I believe that the therapeutic potential of cannabinoids has not yet been fully explored and am excited by the innovative approach that CB Therapeutics is taking to the production of novel cannabinoids in particular,” said Wright. “This should allow for the investigation of the value of novel cannabinoids in so far unexplored areas of high unmet medical need and avoid some of the pitfalls associated with other production methods. It is a privilege to be working with CB Therapeutics.”

Dr. Barnett is co-Director of the Cleveland Clinic Center for Interventional Psychiatry. He and his team treat patients who have not responded to standard psychiatric treatments with both established and innovative modalities such as intravenous ketamine and electroconvulsive therapy, and transcranial magnetic stimulation. Dr. Barnett’s research covers a wide range of topics, including catatonia, the efficacy of ketamine in treatment-resistant depression, and psychiatry’s relationship with emerging psychedelic-assisted therapies. Dr. Barnett also writes about psychiatry for the public, and his works have been published in national publications such as STAT, The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, and HuffPost.

“I look forward to collaborating with CB Therapeutics in the development of innovative psychedelic treatments for patients with mental health conditions and addictions who have been failed by existing interventions,” said Barnett.

About CB Therapeutics

CB Therapeutics produces high-value molecules, compounds, and rare ingredients from simple sugars utilizing yeast and the process of fermentation. CB Therapeutics’ expertise in synthetic genomics and bio-engineering has significantly advanced its proprietary production platform of microorganisms, enzymes, and production processes. After more than four years of research and development, the CB Therapeutics team can produce a broad range of phytochemicals faster, utilizing fewer resources, at greater yields, and with more purity, consistency, and efficiency than competing platforms. Its 16,000 sq. ft. fully-licensed commercial batch facility in southern California includes research labs, advanced bioreactor systems production facility with off-gas analysis, and coupling to analytical equipment (HPLC, LC-MS) for streamlined process development and cost-effective fermentations. In addition to this, the new facility also includes an extensive suite of micro-scale, bench-top, and large-scale bioreactor systems to optimize the production of a broad range of fermentation-based production applications.

Contact Information

Media Contact:
Alana Armstrong
Alan Aldous Communications Inc.
Email: alana@alanaldous.com

Partnership Inquiries:
Sher Ali Butt
CEO, CB Therapeutics
Email: sher@cbthera.com

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COMPASS Pathways announces changes in Executive Team

COMPASS Pathways announces changes in Executive Team

Matthew Owens appointed General Counsel and Chief Legal Officer;
Lars Wilde, Chief Business Officer and Co-founder, to move into senior advisory role

 
COMPASS Pathways plc (Nasdaq: CMPS) (“COMPASS”), a mental health care company dedicated to accelerating patient access to evidence-based innovation in mental health, announced today that it has appointed Matthew Owens as General Counsel and Chief Legal Officer. Mr Owens will join COMPASS on 1 February 2022. The company also announced that Lars Wilde, President, Chief Business Officer and Co-founder, will be moving into a senior advisory role with COMPASS from 1 January 2022.

Matthew Owens joins COMPASS from Novartis International, where he is Global Head Legal, Digital, with responsibility for developing and executing legal and IP strategy. He has been with Novartis since 2010, also serving as Senior Legal Counsel, and as Head Legal, Strategic Partnerships and Digital. Named “Most Innovative European In-House Lawyer 2015” by the Financial Times, Mr Owens is highly experienced in leading legal teams in the fields of digital transformation, biotech and innovation. Prior to Novartis, he was Senior Counsel at Solvay Pharmaceuticals, and Corporate Counsel at Mettler-Toledo. He holds a Bachelor of Arts (Pre-Law & Political Science, History & Criminology) from Capital University, Columbus, Ohio, and a JD (Doctor of Law) from Capital University Law School where he was a Presidential Scholar. He is a lecturer  at the University of Zurich Law School’s Europa Institute.

Matthew Owens said: “COMPASS is bringing innovation to mental health care, and I am so excited to be joining them. I am passionate about digital health and improving the patient experience and look forward to working with the COMPASS team as they continue to develop new therapies supported by digital technologies.”

Lars Wilde joined COMPASS in 2017 as a co-founder and has been instrumental to the company’s many achievements in a number of strategic and operational areas, including fundraising, business development, and the development of its Discovery Center.

Lars Wilde said: “We have built an amazing company at COMPASS and I am grateful to everyone who continues to support us. We are the clear leader in developing psilocybin therapy for unmet mental health needs, initially in treatment-resistant depression, and now moving into PTSD and other disease areas. We are building a portfolio of new psychedelic compounds through our Discovery Center and partnerships. We have raised more than $429 million and we have established a strong team of more than 120 talented, passionate and dedicated people. Above all, we have maintained our commitment to patients and to our goal of transforming mental health care. This is a natural time for me to transition to an advisory role and I am proud to be able to continue working with COMPASS.”

George Goldsmith, CEO and Co-founder, COMPASS Pathways, said: “COMPASS has grown rapidly since its inception in 2016. Our mission and commitment to patients remain the same, but operationally we are a very different company and our executive team is changing to reflect this. Earlier this month, we announced the appointment of Mike Falvey as our new CFO, with experience in launching and commercialising innovation for patients. As General Counsel, Matt will bring significant expertise in technology, digital health and innovation. We are delighted to welcome him to our team and excited about working together to transform mental health care.”

George Goldsmith continued: “The three COMPASS co-founders have always worked closely and tirelessly to create a new type of company to transform mental health care. Without Lars, COMPASS would not be where it is today. He has helped transform us from a start-up to a well-funded Nasdaq-listed company with the best team, a strong pipeline, and a real opportunity to make a difference for patients. We will miss him being here every day but look forward to his continued contributions as a senior advisor and his support as a major shareholder. We are excited to see what Lars does next as we are sure it will be a success!”

-Ends-

About COMPASS Pathways     
 
COMPASS Pathways plc (Nasdaq: CMPS) is a mental health care company dedicated to accelerating patient access to evidence-based innovation in mental health. Our focus is on improving the lives of those who are suffering with mental health challenges and who are not helped by current treatments. We are pioneering the development of a new model of psilocybin therapy, in which our proprietary formulation of synthetic psilocybin, COMP360, is administered in conjunction with psychological support. COMP360 has been designated a Breakthrough Therapy by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), for treatment-resistant depression (TRD), and we have completed a phase IIb clinical trial of psilocybin therapy for TRD, in 22 sites across Europe and North America. This was the largest randomised, controlled, double-blind psilocybin therapy clinical trial ever conducted, and our topline data showed a statistically significant (p<0.001) and clinically relevant improvement in depressive symptom severity after three weeks for patients who received a single high dose of COMP360 psilocybin with psychological support. We are also running a phase II clinical trial of COMP360 psilocybin therapy for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). COMPASS is headquartered in London, UK, with offices in New York and San Francisco in the US. Our vision is a world of mental wellbeing. www.compasspathways.com

Availability of other information about COMPASS Pathways  
 
Investors and others should note that we communicate with our investors and the public using our website (www.compasspathways.com), our investor relations website (ir.compasspathways.com), and on social media (LinkedIn), including but not limited to investor presentations and investor fact sheets, US Securities and Exchange Commission filings, press releases, public conference calls and webcasts. The information that we post on these channels and websites could be deemed to be material information. As a result, we encourage investors, the media, and others interested in us to review the information that is posted on these channels, including the investor relations website, on a regular basis. This list of channels may be updated from time to time on our investor relations website and may include additional social media channels. The contents of our website or these channels, or any other website that may be accessed from our website or these channels, shall not be deemed incorporated by reference in any filing under the Securities Act of 1933.

Forward-looking statements  
 
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended. In some cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as “may”, “might”, “will”, “could”, “would”, “should”, “expect”, “intend”, “plan”, “objective”, “anticipate”, “believe”, “contemplate”, “estimate”, “predict”, “potential”, “continue” and “ongoing,” or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology, although not all forward-looking statements contain these words. Forward-looking statements include express or implied statements relating to, among other things, the safety or efficacy of COMP360 psilocybin therapy as a treatment for depression, COMPASS’s expectations for the timing of its pivotal phase III programme and the potential for that or other trials to support regulatory filings and approvals, COMPASS’s business strategy and goals, the future accessibility of COMP360 psilocybin therapy, COMPASS’s ability to continue to advance its research, including COMP360, COMPASS’s expectations regarding the benefits of its psilocybin therapy, including COMP360 and COMPASS’s ability to advance new psychedelic compounds in other areas of unmet mental health need. The forward-looking statements in this press release are neither promises nor guarantees, and you should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements because they involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors, many of which are beyond COMPASS’s control and which could cause actual results, levels of activity, performance or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements.

These risks, uncertainties, and other factors include, among others: preclinical research and clinical development is lengthy and uncertain, and therefore our preclinical studies and clinical trials may be delayed or terminated, or may never advance to or in the clinic; and those risks and uncertainties described under the heading “Risk Factors” in COMPASS’s annual report on Form 20-F filed with the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on 9 March 2021 and in subsequent filings made by COMPASS with the SEC, which are available on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. Except as required by law, COMPASS disclaims any intention or responsibility for updating or revising any forward-looking statements contained in this press release in the event of new information, future developments or otherwise. These forward-looking statements are based on COMPASS’s current expectations and speak only as of the date hereof.

Enquiries
 
Media: Tracy Cheung, tracy@compasspathways.com, +44 7966 309024
Investors: Stephen Schultz, stephen.schultz@compasspathways.com, +1 401 290 7324

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YourWay Announces Appointment of Bernt Ullmann to Advisory Board

YourWay Announces Appointment of Bernt Ullmann to Advisory Board

“The Man Behind the Brands”, Ullmann brings significant experience in celebrity brand development, brand management, licensing and distribution, and monetization

Announcement highlights Company’s commitment to global growth

VANCOUVER, BC, Dec. 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ – YourWay Cannabis Brands (CSE: YOUR) (the “Company” or “YourWay“) announced today the appointment of Bernt Ullmann to its previously announced Advisory Board. Chaired by YourWay Board of Directors member Kevin Harrington, the Advisory Board is expected to consist of exceptional industry leaders from diverse backgrounds to support and guide the Company’s go-forward strategy.

“We are excited to thoughtfully recruit industry leaders who will bring invaluable experience and help guide our business, complementing YourWay’s strong leadership team. This starts with the appointment of Bernt Ullmann as our inaugural Advisory Board member,” said Kevin Harrington, Chair, Advisory Board, Member, Board of Directors, YourWay Cannabis Brands. “The Company is implementing its “house of brands” cannabis consumer packaged goods strategy and, as one of the most trusted business acceleration experts, Mr. Ullmann’s remarkable experience will lend tremendously towards the Company’s growth ambitions.”

Having generated more than six billion dollars in transactions, Mr. Ullmann will lend his significant experience in celebrity brand development, brand management, licensing and distribution, and monetization to the Company. Mr. Ullmann provides mastery in creating, incubating, developing, marketing and distributing leading global lifestyle brands for superstars such as Jennifer Lopez, Marc Anthony, Nicki Minaj and Adam Levine.

“Bernt is one of the most experienced brand builders and strategists in the world and his insights and experience are anticipated to help to ensure YourWay brands are positioned for success. The Company has made key appointments to bolster its leadership team, which is focused on the next phase of growth and strategic transformation. The addition of Bernt is another key milestone that highlights our commitment to grow the business and drive shareholder value,” continued Mr. Harrington.

“I am thrilled to be joining YourWay Cannabis Brands’ Advisory Board and help contribute to the company’s growth strategy,” said Bernt Ullmann, Member, Advisory Board, YourWay Cannabis Brands. “The Company and I have a shared passion for building powerful brands that serve our consumers and bring value to our shareholders, and I am excited to leverage my decades of experience developing world-renowned brands in ensuring YourWay’s go-forward strategy is fully realized.”

About Bernt Ullmann, CBA

Often referred to as “The Man Behind the Brands”, Mr. Ullmann has been the trusted business acceleration expert for top fashion moguls and billionaires such as Daymond John, Eddie Lampert, and Tommy Hilfiger.

Mr. Ullmann is arguably the world’s leading expert in celebrity brand development, brand management, licensing, distribution and monetization, having contributed to the successful launches of brands for clients including Jennifer Lopez, Adam Levine, Nicki Minaj and many others. The brands he has worked with have generated over 6 billion dollars in global sales, which includes the largest celebrity brand deal in history valued at $3.5 billion.

About YourWay Cannabis Brands

YourWay Cannabis Brands is a publicly traded multi-state operator with sales and operations in Arizona and California. Through building their own brands, partnering with others, and providing white-labelled product, they are dedicated to expanding their reach; remolding the cannabis industry and ultimately, redefining the way consumers and cannabis brands interact.

YourWay aims to connect with the cannabis consumer on a deeper level, utilizing decades of brand-building expertise and an integral understanding of the customer experience to create an intuitive suite of branded products that closely aligns with consumer need states. The YourWay portfolio is an all-encompassing house of brands designed to create a sense of belonging for every cannabis consumer regardless of their relationship with the plant. Please visit www.yourwaycannabis.com for the latest news and information about YourWay and its brands.

Website:  www.yourwaycannabis.com

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION:

This news release includes certain “forward-looking information” as defined under 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. Forward-looking information is often identified by the words “may”, “would”, “could”, “should”, “will”, “intend”, “plan”, “anticipate”, “believe”, “estimate”, “expect” or similar expressions and includes information regarding: the composition of the Company’s Advisory Board; the implementation of the Company’s ‘House of Brands’ cannabis consumer packaged goods strategy; the anticipated benefits of Mr. Ullmann’s appointment to the Company’s Advisory Board; and expectations for other economic, business, and/or competitive factors. Forward-looking information is necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable, are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors which may cause the actual results and future events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information.

Investors are cautioned that forward-looking information is not based on historical fact but instead reflects management’s expectations, estimates or projections concerning future results or events based on the opinions, assumptions and estimates of management considered reasonable at the date the statements are made. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking information are reasonable, such information involves risks and uncertainties, and undue reliance should not be placed on such information, as unknown or unpredictable factors could have material adverse effects on future results, performance, or achievements of the Company. Among the key factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking information are the following: regulatory and licensing risks; changes in consumer demand and preferences; changes in general economic, business and political conditions, including changes in the financial markets; the global regulatory landscape and enforcement related to cannabis, including political risks and risks relating to regulatory change; compliance with extensive government regulation; public opinion and perception of the cannabis industry; the impact of COVID-19; and the risk factors set out in the Company’s annual information form dated August 28, 2020, filed with Canadian securities regulators and available on the Company’s profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.

The Company, through several of its subsidiaries, is indirectly involved in the manufacture, possession, use, sale, and distribution of cannabis in the recreational and medicinal cannabis marketplace in the United States. Local state laws where the Company operates permit such activities however, investors should note that there are significant legal restrictions and regulations that govern the cannabis industry in the United States. Cannabis remains a Schedule I drug under the US Controlled Substances Act, making it illegal under federal law in the United States to, among other things, cultivate, distribute or possess cannabis in the United States. Financial transactions involving proceeds generated by, or intended to promote, cannabis-related business activities in the United States may form the basis for prosecution under applicable United States federal money laundering legislation.

While the approach to enforcement of such laws by the federal government in the United States has trended toward nonenforcement against individuals and businesses that comply with recreational and medicinal cannabis programs in states where such programs are legal, strict compliance with state laws with respect to cannabis will neither absolve the Company of liability under United States federal law, nor will it provide a defense to any federal proceeding which may be brought against the Company. The enforcement of federal laws in the United States is a significant risk to the business of the Company and any proceedings brought against the Company thereunder may adversely affect the Company’s operations and financial performance.

Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should assumptions underlying the forward-looking information prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described herein as intended, planned, anticipated, believed, estimated, or expected. Although the Company has attempted to identify important risks, uncertainties and factors that could cause actual results to differ materially, there may be others that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information, which speak only as of the date of this news release. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. 

SOURCE YourWay Cannabis Brands

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Awakn Life Sciences Appoints Former EVP & Chief Commercial Officer of Gilead Sciences, Paul Carter, as Independent Member of its Board of Directors

Awakn Life Sciences Appoints Former EVP & Chief Commercial Officer of Gilead Sciences, Paul Carter, as Independent Member of its Board of Directors

TORONTO, CANADA, December 14, 2021 – Awakn Life Sciences Corp. (NEO: AWKN)  (OTCQB: AWKNF) (FSE: 954) (‘Awakn’), a biotechnology company developing and delivering psychedelic therapeutics (medicines and therapies) to treat addiction, announced today the appointment of Paul Carter, former Chief Commercial Officer of Gilead Sciences Inc., as an independent member of its Board of Directors, increasing the independent majority on the board. Mr. Carter will be replacing Dr. Benjamin Sessa who has resigned from the Board of Directors, and Dr. Sessa shall continue in his day-to-day role of Co-Founder and Chief Medical Officer.

Paul Carter is a seasoned international BioPharma leader with an outstanding and proven track record. He has over 25 years of senior executive experience, specializing in commercialization, regional leadership, and mergers and acquisitions. Mr. Carter is currently a Board Director and Committee Chair of four US-listed BioPharma companies HutchMed PLC, Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals, Immatics NV, and VectivBio Inc. Prior to this, Mr. Carter served as Executive Vice-President and Chief Commercial Officer of Gilead Sciences Inc., where he was responsible for the company’s worldwide commercial activity, including $33 billion of revenue in 2015 and launching several of the biggest selling prescription drugs of all time. Before that Mr. Carter had senior leadership roles in GSK (and its legacy companies), including head of GSK China and head of Smith Kline Beecham Russia. 

“As Awakn continues to make meaningful progress on its clinical development and delivery strategy, it is critical that we add key leadership and experience capabilities to our team,” said George Scorsis, Chairman of the Board. “Paul brings a demonstrated track record and expertise from Gilead that will support the acceleration of our efforts to bring forward the next generation of psychedelic therapeutics to market. Our board is now comprised of an independent majority.” 

“The psychedelic industry is experiencing a pivotal moment. Awakn is positioned to be an emerging leader in the psychedelic space, targeting the vast unmet medical need of addiction through their R&D and clinical delivery arms,” said Mr. Carter. “I look forward to working with Awakn’s team and their steadfast commitment to treat addiction.” 

Dr. Ben Sessa added “We are honoured to have someone of the calibre of Paul join our Board of Directors.  This comes at a perfect time as I continue to focus on the day-to-day operations of Awakn and have the pleasure of helping treat our clients at our Bristol clinic as the demand continues to increase.  As we mature as a company, increasing the independence on our board becomes critical and I look forward to learning from Paul’s experience.”  

The Company has also adopted a restricted share unit (“RSU”) and deferred share unit (“DSU”) compensation plan (the “RSU/DSU Plan”), which remains subject to the approval of the NEO Exchange Inc. and shareholder ratification. The RSU/DSU Plan has been established to provide more flexibility in granting equity-based incentives to eligible employees, consultants, directors and officers of the Company. The maximum number of awards issuable under the RSU/DSU Plan, together with the number of stock options issuable under the Company’s stock option plan (the “Option Plan”), may not exceed 10% of the number of issued and outstanding common shares of the Company as at the date of grant. The Company intends to seek shareholder ratification of the RSU/DSU Plan and all grants thereunder at its next annual shareholder meeting, and further details of the RSU/DSU Plan will be included in the management information circular of the Company which will be sent to shareholders and filed on SEDAR in connection with such meeting 

The Company has granted, as a result of his appointment, 24,828 incentive stock options and 35,172 DSUs to Mr. Carter.  The options shall have an exercise price of $2.90, expire five years from the date of issuance, and shall vest 25% on each of the first four six months anniversaries, the DSUs remain subject to shareholder ratification. 

About Awakn Life Sciences Corp.

Awakn Life Sciences is a biotechnology company developing and delivering psychedelic therapeutics (medicines and therapies) to better treat addiction. Awakn’s team consists of world leading chemists, scientists, psychiatrists, and psychologists who are developing and advancing the next generation of psychedelic drugs, therapies, and enabling technologies to treat addiction. Awakn will deliver these evidence backed psychedelic therapies in clinics in the UK and Europe and through licensing partnerships globally. 

www.awaknlifesciences.com  |  Twitter  |  LinkedIn  |  Facebook

Notice Regarding Forward Looking Information

This news release contains certain forward-looking information and forward-looking statements, as defined in applicable securities laws (collectively referred to herein as “forward-looking statements”). Forward-looking statements reflect current expectations or beliefs regarding future events or the Company’s future performance. All statements other than statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements. Often, but not always, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as “plans”, “expects”, “is expected”, “budget”, “scheduled”, “estimates”, “continues”, “forecasts”, “projects”, “predicts”, “intends”, “anticipates”, “targets” or “believes”, or variations of, or the negatives of, such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results “may”, “could”, “would”, “should”, “might” or “will” be taken, occur or be achieved, including statements relating to the proposed future changes in management, obtaining NEO approval and shareholder ratification of the RSU/DSU plan, and the general development of the Company’s business. All forward-looking statements, including those herein are qualified by this cautionary statement.

Although the Company believes that the expectations expressed in such statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those in the statements. There are certain factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking information. These include: the business plans and strategies of the Company, the ability of the Company to comply with all applicable governmental regulations in a highly regulated business; the inherent risks in investing in target companies or projects which have limited or no operating history and are engaged in activities currently considered illegal in some jurisdictions; changes in laws; limited operating history; reliance on management; requirements for additional financing; competition; inconsistent public opinion and perception regarding the medical-use of psychedelic drugs; and regulatory or political change. Readers are cautioned that the foregoing list of factors is not exhaustive of the factors that may affect forward-looking statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements in this news release speak only as of the date of this news release or as of the date or dates specified in such statements.

Investors are cautioned that any such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking information. For more information on the Company, investors are encouraged to review the Company’s public filings on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward- looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, other than as required by law.

Investor Enquiries:
KCSA Strategic Communications 
Valter Pinto / Tim Regan 
Phone: +1 (212) 896-1254
Awakn@KCSA.com

Media Enquiries:
America and Canada: KCSA Strategic Communications  
Anne Donohoe 
Adonohoe@KCSA.com

Rest of World: ROAD Communications 
Paul Jarman / Anna Ramsey
Awakn@roadcommunications.co.uk

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MINDCURE Appoints Dr. Doron Sagman as Chief Medical Officer

MINDCURE Appoints Dr. Doron Sagman as Chief Medical Officer

VANCOUVER, BC, Dec. 14, 2021 /CNW/ – Mind Cure Health Inc. (CSE: MCUR) (OTCQX: MCURF) (FRA: 6MH) (“MINDCURE” or the “Company”), a leader in advanced proprietary technology and research for psychedelics, announces the appointment of Doron Sagman, MD, FRCPC, as the Company’s new Chief Medical Officer (“CMO”). Dr. Joel Raskin who was acting CMO will transition into an advisory role for MINDCURE.

As CMO, Dr. Sagman will play a vital role in furthering MINDCURE’S mission to reinvent the mental health care model for patients and practitioners, along with advancing psychedelic-assisted therapy into common and accepted care.  A trained psychiatrist with an expertise in mood and anxiety disorders, as well as an experienced leader in pharmaceutical drug development and clinical trials, Dr. Sagman brings three decades of clinical and research and regulatory experience to MINDCURE.

“Dr. Sagman’s distinguished career in both mental health and the pharmaceutical industries will enable him to lead the development of innovative therapies to potentially treat a range of mental health conditions,” said Kelsey Ramsden, President & CEO of MINDCURE.  “His proven experience as a leader who has built and led diverse teams, as well as his deep understanding of the drug research and development process, will be critical as MINDCURE advances on our path to research digital therapeutic and neuro-supportive solutions,” Ramsden added.

Throughout the span of his 18-year career in the pharmaceutical industry, Dr. Sagman held leadership positions across medical research, clinical development, regulatory affairs and medical affairs.  Most recently, Dr. Sagman held the position of Senior Medical Director/Vice-President, R&D and Medical Affairs at Eli Lilly Canada, leading the medical affairs, clinical and regulatory affairs divisions across a broad therapeutic span, including neuroscience, immunology, oncology, and diabetes.

On his appointment, Dr Sagman said, “We are entering a pivotal and historical phase of medical discovery for patients who suffer from mental health disorders. I am delighted to join MINDCURE’s leadership team and work to advance innovative solutions to best meet unmet mental health needs.”

On Dr. Sagman’s appointment, Dr. Joel Raskin added, “Dr. Sagman’s experience in managing clinical operations, regulatory, quality, people and all aspects of research in Canada makes him the perfect candidate to lead MINDCURE’s research and brings a competitive edge as the Company grows.”

In addition to receiving his medical degree from University of Calgary, Dr. Sagman completed his psychiatric residency at the University of Toronto. He is a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians & Surgeons of Canada (FRCPC) and an Adjunct Clinical Lecturer in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Toronto, as well as being a staff psychiatrist at the Michael Garron Hospital in Toronto.

About Mind Cure Health Inc.
MINDCURE is a life sciences company focused on innovating and commercializing new ways to promote healing and improve mental health. The company is developing digital therapeutics technology and researching psychedelic compounds to support access to safe, evidence-based psychedelic-assisted therapies globally. Learn more at mindcure.com, and follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

On Behalf of the Board of Directors
Kelsey Ramsden, President & CEO
Phone: 1-888-593-8995

Forward-Looking Information
Certain information presented in this news release may constitute “forward-looking information” within the meaning of applicable securities laws regarding MINDCURE and its business. 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 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. Except as required by applicable securities laws, forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made and the Company does not undertake any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

The CSE has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this press release and the CSE does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

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MindMed Appoints Robert Barrow as Chief Executive Officer and Director

MindMed Appoints Robert Barrow as Chief Executive Officer and Director

-Mr. Barrow previously served as interim Chief Executive Officer and Chief Development Officer of MindMed

–Carol Vallone appointed as Chair of the Board of Directors, Andreas Krebs appointed as Vice Chair and Perry Dellelce transitions from his role as Chairman-

NEW YORK, Dec. 14, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Mind Medicine (MindMed) Inc. (NASDAQ: MNMD), (NEO: MMED), (DE: MMQ) (the “Company”), a leading biotech company developing psychedelic-inspired therapies, today announced that Robert Barrow was appointed as Chief Executive Officer and as a member of the Board of Directors, effective immediately. Mr. Barrow previously served as interim Chief Executive Officer and Chief Development Officer of MindMed and brings strategic expertise and deep industry insight to his role.

Mr. Barrow commented, “I am delighted to join MindMed’s Board of Directors and look forward to building on the progress to date alongside our outstanding executive leadership team, all while advancing the Company into the future. This is an exciting time for MindMed, and my immediate priority will be to leverage the necessary resources to advance our clinical development programs. In parallel, our team will continue to explore new opportunities that expand MindMed’s pipeline—bringing forward novel therapies and executing on our mission to deliver on the therapeutic potential of psychedelics for the many patients in need.”

Mr. Perry Dellelce has stepped down from his role as Director and Chairman of the Company’s Board of Directors, effective immediately. With the departure of Mr. Dellelce, the Board has appointed Ms. Carol Vallone to serve as Chair of the Board of Directors and Mr. Andreas Krebs to serve as Vice Chair.

Mr. Dellelce added, “It has been a tremendous honor to serve on MindMed’s Board of Directors, and I am incredibly proud of everything our team has accomplished. Rob, Carol and Andreas’ diverse backgrounds across the biotech and healthcare industries will be invaluable as MindMed continues its efforts to transform mental health treatment. I have the greatest confidence in the leadership team’s ability to maximize the value of our platform and successfully lead MindMed through this next phase of continued growth.”

Ms. Vallone added, “Since MindMed’s inception, Perry has played a pivotal role in the Company’s evolution to become a leader in the psychedelic sector. I, along with the entire Board and executive team, wish to formally acknowledge and thank him for his guidance, vision and significant contributions. As we enter this inflection point and execute on our path forward, we are thrilled to name Rob as our permanent CEO, whose strategic agility, strong leadership and impressive track record makes him exceptionally well qualified.”

Robert Barrow is an accomplished pharmaceutical executive with over a decade of experience leading organizations and drug development programs in a variety of disease areas. Mr. Barrow is a recognized leader in the psychedelic industry, in which he has played a central role in the design and execution of several successful regulatory and drug development strategies.  Mr. Barrow previously served as the head of drug development & discovery at Usona Institute, where he led research and development efforts for Usona’s psychedelic drug candidates and was responsible for obtaining Breakthrough Therapy Designation for psilocybin in the treatment of Major Depressive Disorder. Prior to his tenure at Usona, Mr. Barrow served as Chief Operating Officer and a Director of Olatec Therapeutics, where he oversaw the execution of numerous early and late-stage clinical trials in the fields of analgesics, rheumatology, immunology and cardiovascular disease. Mr. Barrow has also served as a technical and strategic advisor to numerous large and small pharmaceutical companies developing novel central nervous system therapeutics and has been an invited speaker at multiple industry and scientific presentations. Mr. Barrow holds a M.S. in Pharmacology from The Ohio State University and a B.S. from Wake Forest University, where he graduated summa cum laude.

Carol Vallone is an esteemed executive and corporate board director, with a strong track record in launching, scaling and selling global companies. Currently, she serves as Board Director, Chair of Compensation Committee, and Member of Audit/Finance Committee at MindMed. She also serves as Chair of the Board of Trustees at McLean Hospital, the #1 ranked freestanding psychiatric hospital and largest psychiatric affiliate of Harvard Medical School, as well as the board of trustees at MGH Institute of Health Professions and on the finance committee at Mass General Brigham. Additionally, Ms. Vallone serves as a board member for the publicly traded Cresco Labs, and for a Bain Capital Double Impact portfolio company, Arosa. She is also an Advisory Director for the investment firm, Berkshire Partners, and an Advisory Board Member of the healthcare-focused venture growth firm, Longitude Capital. In addition, Ms. Vallone has served as founder & CEO of global e-learning companies, held management positions in leading corporate technology companies and served on the boards of a public financial services and private e-commerce organization.

Andreas Krebs is an internationally experienced executive, entrepreneur and best-selling author (“The Illusion of Invincibility”). He heads the family-owned investment company Longfield Invest (Langenfeld/Germany), which focuses on growth companies in various industries as well as in the new economy. He has worked in seven countries, in Latin America, Asia and Canada and as President and Executive Board Member of Wyeth Corporation in the United States. Andreas Krebs was Chairman of the Supervisory Board and Shareholder Council of Merz Pharma, Frankfurt am Main, Germany from 2010 to 2019, is currently a member of the Supervisory Board of the European eye clinic group Veonet (Nordic Capital Group) and holds other board positions across various sectors. Furthermore, he serves as Chairman of the private non-governmental organization, Förderverein Girassol eV, which supports children and young people from socially difficult backgrounds in São Paulo, Brazil.

About MindMed
MindMed is a clinical-stage psychedelic medicine biotech company that seeks to discover, develop and deploy psychedelic-inspired medicines and therapies to address addiction and mental illness. The Company is assembling a compelling drug development pipeline of innovative treatments based on psychedelic substances including psilocybin, LSD, MDMA, DMT and an ibogaine derivative, 18-MC. The MindMed executive team brings extensive biopharmaceutical experience to MindMed’s approach to developing the next generation of psychedelic-inspired medicines and therapies.

MindMed trades on the NASDAQ under the symbol MNMD and on the Canadian NEO Exchange under the symbol MMED. MindMed is also traded in Germany under the symbol MMQ.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements in this news release related to the Company constitute “forward-looking information” within the meaning of applicable securities laws and are prospective in nature. Forward-looking information is not based on historical facts, but rather on current expectations and projections about future events and are therefore subject to risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results to differ materially from the future results expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. These statements generally can be identified by the use of forward-looking words such as “will”, “may”, “should”, “could”, “intend”, “estimate”, “plan”, “anticipate”, “expect”, “believe”, “potential” or “continue”, or the negative thereof or similar variations. Forward-looking information in this news release include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the ability to execute on our business strategy, expand our pipeline and achieve growth.  Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking information are reasonable, such information involves risks and uncertainties, and undue reliance should not be placed on such information, as unknown or unpredictable factors could have material adverse effects on future results, performance or achievements of the Company. There are numerous risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results and the Company’s plans and objectives to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking information, including history of negative cash flows; limited operating history; incurrence of future losses; availability of additional capital; lack of product revenue; compliance with laws and regulations; difficulty associated with research and development; risks associated with clinical trials or studies; heightened regulatory scrutiny; early stage product development; clinical trial risks; regulatory approval processes; novelty of the psychedelic inspired medicines industry; as well as those risk factors discussed or referred to herein and the risks described under the headings “Risk Factors” in the Company’s filings with the securities regulatory authorities in all provinces and territories of Canada which are available under the Company’s profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com and with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on EDGAR at www.sec.gov. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should assumptions underlying the forward-looking information prove incorrect, actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such information. Although the Company has attempted to identify important risks, uncertainties and factors that could cause actual results to differ materially, there may be others that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. These and all subsequent written and oral forward-looking information are based on estimates and opinions of management on the dates they are made and are expressly qualified in their entirety by this notice. Except as required by law, the Company does not intend and does not assume any obligation to update this forward-looking information.

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PharmaDrug Announces Addition of Dr. Cindy Hutnik, President of the Canadian Glaucoma Society to Their Scientific Advisory Board to Enhance Ongoing DMT Studies to Treat Glaucoma

PharmaDrug Announces Addition of Dr. Cindy Hutnik, President of the Canadian Glaucoma Society to Their Scientific Advisory Board to Enhance Ongoing DMT Studies to Treat Glaucoma

Toronto, Ontario – December 13, 2021 – PharmaDrug Inc. (CSE: PHRX) (OTCQB: LMLLF) (“PharmaDrug” or the “Company“), a specialty pharmaceutical company focused on the development and commercialization of controlled-substances and natural medicines such as psychedelics, cannabis and naturally-derived approved drugs, pleased to announce the addition of Dr. Cindy Hutnik to its scientific and clinical advisory board. Dr. Hutnik will assist the Company in its ongoing efforts to develop N,N-dimethyltryptamine (“DMT”) and other related tryptamine analogues as a potential treatment for glaucoma.

Dr. Hutnik, a full professor in the Departments of Ophthalmology and Pathology at the Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, is internationally recognized for the significant contributions she has made in understanding the basic pathophysiology of glaucoma, as well as the practical application of this knowledge in her clinical practice. Dr. Hutnik is the current President of the Canadian Glaucoma Society and is a Board member of the Glaucoma Research Society of Canada. Previously, she served as Medical Director of the Ophthalmology Basic Science Laboratory at the Lawson Health Research Institute in the Center for Clinical Investigation and Therapeutics for 18 years, and Chair of Research in the Department of Ophthalmology for 15 years. Her major research interest is focused on the pathophysiology and management of glaucoma with a sub-interest in ocular surface and macular disease. She has supervised and mentored in focused research activities more than 175 students at all levels of training ranging from high school to graduate science and medicine. Her work has been presented and published both nationally and internationally and has been recognized with over 90 awards. With deep industry connections, Dr. Hutnik continues to have keen interest in translating novel discoveries into innovative treatments for patients with glaucoma.

Dr. Hutnik, commented, “I am very excited to work with PharmaDrug in supporting their research and development initiatives in discovering novel uses and formulations of 5-HT receptor agonists, as a potential treatment of glaucoma and other underserved ophthalmology indications. PharmaDrug’s candidate molecule studies, currently being conducted at the renowned Terasaki Institute, represent an exciting, paradigm shifting approach to improving outcomes for patients suffering from glaucoma.”

PharmaDrug’s Candidate DMT-Analogue Molecules Display Low Cytotoxicity

Under an ongoing sponsored research agreement with Terasaki Institute of Biomedical Innovation, the Company has initiated in vitro studies to assess the impact (cytotoxicity, potency and duration of activity) of its two candidate molecules on specific cell types known to regulate pressure disequilibrium in the eyes of patients suffering from glaucoma. Initial in vitro cytotoxicity studies on the Company’s two candidate tryptamine molecules have now been completed and the data shows exceedingly low/absent impact on cellular viability across a concentration range that exceeds what is expected to be used clinically. Further functional data from the ongoing 2-dimensional cell culture studies is expected in January. Those data will be extended by investigating the impact of the lead candidate molecule in 3-dimensional microtissue studies aimed at specifically assessing smooth muscle contractility; a response understood to be critical in maintenance of healthy eye function.

The company believes with the engagement of Dr. Hutnik, its access to world class basic science and clinical expertise in ophthalmology has been significantly enhanced. Following the completion of in vitro studies, the company will proceed to IND-enabling efficacy studies using a well accepted animal model of glaucoma. The in vivo studies are expected to begin in the second quarter with a focus on evaluating tolerability and efficacy (ability to lower intraocular pressure “IOP”) when applied as a topical eyedrop in animal models of glaucoma. These studies will then be followed by development and testing of a purpose-built medical device capable of delivering sustained, local, sub-psychotropic levels of the development candidate to patients afflicted with glaucoma.

“We are very pleased to have Dr. Hutnik join us as a scientific and clinical advisor for our ophthalmology program, and we look forward to her contributions as we advance the research and development of our novel formulation in the treatment of glaucoma,” said Daniel Cohen, Chairman and CEO of PharmaDrug. “Dr. Hutnik is a highly regarded, leader in the field of glaucoma, and she brings invaluable guidance and clinical trial experience having served as Principal Investigator on various clinical trials in the glaucoma space.”

Unmet Medical Need For Glaucoma

Glaucoma is the second most common cause of blindness around the world. The global prevalence of glaucoma in people aged 40-80 years is estimated to be 3.5%1. Currently there are over 3 million people living with glaucoma in the US. In addition to the significant personal toll glaucoma takes on sufferers, the related costs and productivity losses now approach $3 billion in the US annually2. Increased IOP is a common feature noted in multiple types of glaucoma, that when left untreated, results in progressive and irreversible vision loss as a result of damage to the optic nerve.

Current treatments for glaucoma consist of surgery and/or topically administered eye drops that are aimed at lowering IOP. Despite widespread use of topical agents, protection from the cumulative harm of elevated IOP remains significant. As such, opportunities related to improved patient care and outcomes are sorely needed. Development of novel IOP lowering agents formulated using approaches that reduce common side effects and improve patient compliance continue to represent the cornerstone of novel treatments.

The Potential For DMT In Ophthalmology

Serotonin receptor 2a (aka 5-HT2a) is prominently displayed in areas of the eye that are known to be vital in the control of IOP. Basic research has shown that topical application of 5-HT2A agonists, including several analogues of DMT, potently reduce IOP in animal models of glaucoma3. DMT belongs to a class of compounds collectively referred to as tryptamines. Multiple different tryptamine family members have previously been shown to improve experimental models of glaucoma, however poor metabolic stability and solubility made them poor development candidates3. Leveraging existing knowhow in the DMT space, PharmaDrug intends to develop a metabolically stable, controlled release analogue of DMT for lowering elevated IOP. Our formulation will reduce the need for frequent re-application and in so doing, improve patient convenience and compliance.

A half century ago, with the passing of the Controlled Substances Act, almost all research directed at harnessing the promising therapeutic potential of psychedelics to treat serious, unmet medical needs all but ceased. The recent resurgence of research in psychedelics is just now beginning to take shape. We believe that our ongoing investment in high quality, foundational academic research combined with our translational activities focused outside of the neuropsychiatric space has strong strategic merit and is backed by sound mechanistic understanding.

About PharmaDrug Inc.

PharmaDrug is a specialty pharmaceutical company focused on the research, development and commercialization of controlled-substances and natural medicines such as psychedelics, cannabis and naturally-derived approved drugs. PharmaDrug owns 100% of Pharmadrug Production GmbH (“Pharmadrug Production”), a German medical cannabis distributor, with a Schedule I European Union narcotics license and German EuGMP certification allowing for the importation and distribution of medical cannabis to pharmacies in Germany and throughout the European Union. PharmaDrug recently acquired Sairiyo Therapeutics (“Sairiyo”), a biotech company that specializes in researching and reformulating established natural medicines with a goal of bringing them through clinical trials and the associated regulatory approval process in the US and Europe. Sairiyo is currently developing its patented reformulation of cepharanthine, a drug that has shown substantial third party validated potential for the treatment of COVID-19 and rare cancers. Sairiyo is also conducting R&D in the psychedelics space for the treatment of non-neuropsychiatric conditions. The Company also owns 100% of Super Smart, a company building a vertically integrated retail business with the goal to elevate the use of functional mushrooms, and psilocybin mushrooms where federally legal, as natural based medicines.

For further information, please contact:

Daniel Cohen, Chairman and CEO
dcohen@pharmadrug.co
(647) 202-1824

Caution Regarding Forward-Looking Information:

THE CANADIAN SECURITIES EXCHANGE HAS NOT REVIEWED NOR DOES IT ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE.

This press release contains “forward-looking information” within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein are forward-looking information. Generally, forward-looking information may be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “plans”, “expects” or “does not expect”, “proposed”, “is expected”, “budgets”, “scheduled”, “estimates”, “forecasts”, “intends”, “anticipates” or “does not anticipate”, or “believes”, or variations of such words and phrases, or by the use of words or phrases which state that certain actions, events or results may, could, would, or might occur or be achieved. In particular, this press release contains forward-looking information in relation to: the development and commercialization of cepharanthine, the results of the Company’s research and development in the psychedelics space and the development of the Supersmart business . This forward-looking information reflects the Company’s current beliefs and is based on information currently available to the Company and on assumptions the Company believes are reasonable. These assumptions include, but are not limited to the ability of the Company to successfully execute on its plans for the Company and its affiliated entities; the ability to obtain required regulatory approvals and the Company’s continued response and ability to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic being consistent with, or better than, its ability and response to date.

Forward-looking information is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Such risks and other factors may include, but are not limited to: general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties; general capital market conditions and market prices for securities; the actual results of the Company’s future operations; competition; changes in legislation affecting the Company; the ability to obtain and maintain required permits and approvals, the timing and availability of external financing on acceptable terms; lack of qualified, skilled labour or loss of key individuals; risks related to the COVID-19 pandemic including various recommendations, orders and measures of governmental authorities to try to limit the pandemic, including travel restrictions, border closures, non-essential business closures, service disruptions, quarantines, self-isolations, shelters-in-place and social distancing, disruptions to markets, economic activity, financing, supply chains and sales channels, and a deterioration of general economic conditions; and a deterioration of financial markets that could limit the Company’s ability to obtain external financing.

A description of additional risk factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from forward-looking information can be found in the Company’s disclosure documents on the SEDAR website at www.sedar.com. 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. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Readers are cautioned that the foregoing list of factors is not exhaustive. Readers are further cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information as there can be no assurance that the plans, intentions or expectations upon which they are placed will occur. Such information, although considered reasonable by management at the time of preparation, may prove to be incorrect and actual results may differ materially from those anticipated.

The Company’s securities have not been registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “U.S. Securities Act”), or applicable state securities laws, and may not be offered or sold to, or for the account or benefit of, persons in the United States or “U.S. Persons”, as such term is defined in Regulations under the U.S. Securities Act, absent registration or an applicable exemption from such registration requirements. 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 the United States or any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful.

Forward-looking information contained in this press release is expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. The forward-looking information contained in this press release represents the expectations of the Company as of the date of this press release and, accordingly, are subject to change after such date. However, the Company expressly disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as expressly required by applicable securities law.

References:

1) Kang JM, Tanna AP. Glaucoma. Med Clin North Am. 2021 May;105(3):493-510. doi: 10.1016/j.mcna.2021.01.004. Epub 2021 Apr 2. PMID: 33926643.

2) https://www.brightfocus.org/glaucoma/article/glaucoma-facts-figures

3) May JA, McLaughlin MA, Sharif NA, Hellberg MR, Dean TR. Evaluation of the ocular hypotensive response of serotonin 5-HT1A and 5-HT2 receptor ligands in conscious ocular hypertensive cynomolgus monkeys. J Pharmacol Exp Ther. 2003 Jul;306(1):301-9. doi: 10.1124/jpet.103.049528. Epub 2003 Apr 3. PMID: 12676887.

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Agtech Appoints Leading Harvard Trained Medical Expert as Chief Science Officer

Agtech Appoints Leading Harvard Trained Medical Expert as Chief Science Officer

CALIFORNIA, Newport Beach, Dec. 09, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Agtech Global International, Inc. (Agtech) (name change to Galexxy Holdings Inc. in process) (OTC Pink: AGGL) is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Malcolm A. Leissring as its Chief Science Officer (CSO) effective January 1, 2022. This appointment follows Agtech’s recent agreement to acquire NooMeds, LLC., a company formed by Dr. Leissring to market A.L.Z. Defense™, a scientifically tested dietary supplement shown to prevent memory problems in laboratory models of Alzheimer’s disease.

Dr. Leissring is an award-winning neuroscientist who is internationally recognized for his work on the molecular pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease and diabetes, with an emphasis on drug discovery and development.  He conducted his postdoctoral training at Harvard Medical School in the laboratory of Dennis J. Selkoe, M.D., one of the world’s leading researchers in Alzheimer’s disease.  

His research has been funded by grants from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and numerous private foundations. For his pioneering work on Alzheimer’s disease and diabetes, Dr. Leissring has received awards from many prestigious organizations, such as the Alzheimer’s Association, the Ellison Medical Foundation, the American Federation for Aging Research and the American Diabetes Association.  Dr. Leissring was recently awarded a $3 million grant from the NIH’s National Institute on Aging to continue his research on Alzheimer’s disease at the University of California, Irvine.  

In his role as CSO of Agtech/Galexxy, Dr. Leissring will help direct the research and drug development program for the novel compounding of psilocybin and cannabidiol (CBD) into proprietary formulations. This program is being conducted by KRTL Biotech, Inc. in South Korea.

Dr. Leissring added, “I’m excited by this KRTL drug development opportunity to help formally evaluate the therapeutic potential of highly promising compounds that have been in use for millennia, but have been off limits to investigators until only recently.” 

Agtech is publicly traded on the OTC Markets (OTC Pink: AGGL). Headquartered in Newport Beach, California, Agtech is entering the rapidly developing markets for premium CBD consumer products through its recent acquisition of Galexxy Corporation and its joint venture with City Farm Industries. Agtech’s “soil-to-sale” business strategy is keenly focused on controlling the supply chain and maximizing profits.

Agtech Global International, Inc.Ross Lyndon-JamesE: ross@galexxy.com M: (949) 456 3972

Forward-Looking Information

This press release contains “forward-looking information” and “forward-looking statements” (collectively, “statements”). All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements and are based on expectations, estimates and projections as at the date of this press release.

https://twitter.com/AgtechGlobal                                   https://www.krtlbiotech.comhttp://galexxyholdings.com.dream.website

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$AGGL – Agtech Appoints Leading Harvard Trained Medical Expert as Chief Science Officer

Malcolm A. Leissring, Ph.D.

Galexxy Holdings Inc.

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FSD Pharma Establishes New Regulatory Advisory Board With the Appointment of Joga Gobburu, Ph.D., and Mary Melnyk, Ph.D., as Members

FSD Pharma Establishes New Regulatory Advisory Board With the Appointment of Joga Gobburu, Ph.D., and Mary Melnyk, Ph.D., as Members

Regulatory Advisory Board will oversee the drug development pathway for FSD Pharma’s clinical drug candidates

TORONTO–(BUSINESS WIRE)– FSD Pharma Inc. (NASDAQ: HUGE) (CSE: HUGE) (FRA: 0K9A) (“FSD Pharma” or the “Company”), a life sciences holding company dedicated to building a portfolio of assets and biotech solutions, announced today that it has formed a Regulatory Advisory Board (“RAB”) and has appointed Joga Gobburu, B.Pharm. (Hons), M.Sc. (Hons), Ph.D., M.B.A., and Mary Melnyk, M.Sc., Ph.D., as members.

A world-recognized scientific leader in pharmacometrics, Dr. Gobburu is a Professor at the School of Pharmacy and the School of Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD. Between 1998 and 2011, he held various positions at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”), most recently as Director of the Division of Pharmacometrics and Office of Clinical Pharmacology. Dr. Gobburu led the review of thousands of Investigational New Drug Applications, more than three hundred New Drug and Biological Licensing Applications, numerous FDA drug approvals, labeling guidelines and policies. At the FDA, he established the Division of Pharmacometrics, was part of the committee responsible for the 21st Century Review Process and provided input into Prescription Drug User Fee Act planning. Dr. Gobburu received several FDA awards, including the 2001 Outstanding Achievement Award, and was recognized with the Senior Biomedical Research Scientist appointment in 2007. He also received the 2008 Outstanding Leadership Award from the American Conference on Pharmacometrics, the 2008 Tanabe Young Investigator Award from the American College of Clinical Pharmacology (“ACCP”) and the 2019 Sheiner-Beal Pharmacometrics Award from the American Society of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics. Dr. Gobburu is a Fellow of the American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists and the ACCP. He is on the Editorial Board of several journals; has published more than one hundred papers and book chapters; and is the inventor of two U.S. patents.

Dr. Gobburu said, “FSD Pharma has a world-class team of scientists in the area of neurology and inflammation. I look forward to supporting their development program and applying my regulatory expertise to bring their innovative assets to market.”

Dr. Melnyk is an expert in manufacturing and regulatory requirements for pharmaceutical and medical device development. She is currently the Senior Regulatory Consultant at Innovalinks, a consulting firm serving the pharmaceutical industry in the quality and regulatory systems, process transfer, and validation and scale-up. Dr. Melnyk served as a Professor for the Academy of Applied Pharmaceutical Sciences (“AAPS”) and held senior leadership and executive roles in Quality Assurance and Quality Control at Biovail Corporation, EMD Merck Biomira, Novartis Canada/CIBA Division, GlaxoWellcome and Sanofi Pasteur. She played a key role in the FDA approvals of Wellbutrin XL, Cardizem LA and Rescula, as well as facility validations for Salk’s HIV Immunogen, the BCG vaccine, and Merck’s Hepatitis B vaccine. Dr. Melnyk also led the scale-up and licensure of numerous biological products in global markets, including the Salk Polio and component pertussis vaccines. In addition to designing quality systems comprised of good laboratory, clinical and manufacturing practices for biologics, drugs, and medical devices, she oversaw global regulatory approvals of medical devices, natural health products, and medicinal products in the U.S., Canada, Australia, and the EU, with numerous successful applications. Dr. Melnyk is a member of the International Society of Pharmaceutical Engineers, Parenteral Drug Association (Canadian Chapter), and Calibration Validation Group. She has also served as a trainer for the World Health Organization and the International Pharmaceutical Academy.

The RAB was formed by Dr. Lakshmi P. Kotra, B.Pharm. (Hons), Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer of FSD Pharma’s wholly-owned subsidiary, Lucid Psycheceuticals Inc., who commented, “We are thrilled to welcome Drs. Gobburu and Melnyk as members of our recently established board and are looking forward to applying their combined expertise in global quality and regulatory systems as we advance our drug candidates toward the clinic to serve global markets.”

About FSD Pharma

FSD Pharma is a life sciences holding company with two wholly-owned subsidiaries dedicated to building a portfolio of diversified therapeutic assets and innovative healthcare and biotech services.

FSD BioSciences, Inc. (“FSD BioSciences”), a wholly-owned subsidiary, is a specialty biotech pharmaceutical R&D company focused on developing applications of its lead compound, ultramicronized PEA, by down-regulating the cytokines to effectuate an anti-inflammatory response.

Lucid Psycheceuticals Inc. (“Lucid”), a wholly-owned subsidiary, has exclusive worldwide rights to novel compounds shown to prevent and potentially reverse the biochemical mechanisms of progressive multiple sclerosis in multiple preclinical animal models. Additionally, FSD is seeking to develop a unique psychoactive (psychedelic-based) therapeutic aimed at addressing neurodegenerative disorders, a multibillion-dollar mental health market. The Company hopes to quickly advance its lead drug candidates through clinical trials.

Forward Looking Information

Certain statements contained herein are “forward-looking statements.” Often, but not always, forward-looking statement can be identified by the use of words such as “plans”, “expects”, “expected”, “scheduled”, “estimates”, “intends”, “anticipates”, “hopes”, “planned” or “believes”, or variations of such words and phrases, or states that certain actions, events or results “may”, “could”, “would”, “might”, “potentially” or “will” be taken, occur or be achieved. Forward-looking statements contained in this press release include the comments made with respect to the Company’s formation and operation of its Regulatory Advisory Board and appointments thereto, advancing the Company’s research, including the advancement of the Company’s drug candidates from research into clinical trials and any potential commercially viable therapeutic application therefor. FSD cannot give any assurance that such forward-looking statements will prove to have been correct. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release.

Since forward-looking statements relate to future events and conditions, by their very nature they require making assumptions and involve inherent risks and uncertainties. The Company cautions that although it is believed that the assumptions are reasonable in the circumstances, these risks and uncertainties give rise to the possibility that actual results may differ materially from the expectations set out in the forward-looking statements. Factors that may cause such material differences include without limitation: the fact that the drug development efforts of both Lucid and FSD BioSciences are at a very early stage; the fact that preclinical drug development is uncertain, and the drug product candidates of Lucid and FSD BioSciences may never advance to clinical trials; the fact that results of preclinical studies and early-stage clinical trials may not be predictive of the results of later stage clinical trials; the uncertain outcome, cost, and timing of product development activities, preclinical studies and clinical trials of Lucid and FSD BioSciences; the uncertain clinical development process, including the risk that clinical trials may not have an effective design or generate positive results; the potential inability to obtain or maintain regulatory approval of the drug product candidates of Lucid and FSD BioSciences; the introduction of competing drugs that are safer, more effective or less expensive than, or otherwise superior to, the drug product candidates of Lucid and FSD BioSciences; the initiation, conduct, and completion of preclinical studies and clinical trials may be delayed, adversely affected, or impacted by COVID-19 related issues; the potential inability to obtain adequate financing; the potential inability to obtain or maintain intellectual property protection for the drug product candidates of Lucid and FSD BioSciences; and other risks. Further information regarding factors that may cause actual results to differ materially are included in the Company’s annual and other reports filed from time to time with the Canadian Securities Administrators on SEDAR (www.sedar.com) and with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on EDGAR (www.sec.gov) under the heading “Risk Factors.” Any forward-looking statement contained in this release speaks only as of its date. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements, except to the extent required by applicable securities laws.

Zeeshan Saeed, Founder, President and Executive Co-Chairman of the Board, FSD Pharma Inc.
Email: Zsaeed@fsdpharma.com
Telephone: (416) 854-8884
Investor Relations: Email: ir@fsdpharma.com , fsdpharma@kcsa.com  
Website: www.fsdpharma.com  

Source: FSD Pharma Inc.

Released December 9, 2021