Avicanna announced the extension of its existing strategic manufacturing agreement with Medipharm Labs for the commercialization of Avicanna’s proprietary cannabinoid-based Self-Emulsifying Drug Delivery Systems (SEDDS) technology capsules for the Canadian and international markets.
“We are happy to be advancing our proprietary SEDDS technology capsules to the market with MediPharm, who have demonstrated focus, alignment and the necessary capabilities to manufacture and deliver these products across a number of markets and channels. We are excited about the potential of our proprietary single-dose formulations in both medical and pharmaceutical cannabinoid segments,” said Avicanna CEO Aras Azadian.
Under the expanded agreement, Avicanna intends to commercialize its proprietary SEDDS technology capsules, under the RHO Phyto brand, across domestic nation-wide medical channels including the Avicanna’s MyMedi.ca online cannabis care platform and MediPharm’s Canna farms platform. Additionally, MediPharm intends to commercialize the capsules across adult use wellness channels under its MediPharm Labs brand.
MediPharm intends to manufacture these proprietary capsules in accordance with GMP standards to fulfill domestic and international pharmaceutical standards. The expanded Strategic Manufacturing Agreement provides that each of Avicanna and MediPharm may take steps towards offering these products internationally through existing internal infrastructure and externally with parties under contract.
Due to the highly lipophilic nature and poor water-solubility of cannabinoids, the formulations currently available in the Canadian market have been generally described as having poor absorption and high variability of onset. SEDDS oral delivery systems offer an effective route for non-invasive and non-inhalation administration of cannabinoids. Avicanna’s proprietary SEDDS technology demonstrated shelf-life stability with more than 90% of the total cannabinoid(s) remaining after 6 months in accelerated conditions. The formulation’s CBD and THC dissolution profiles were also tested in biorelevant media which mimic human intestinal fluid and demonstrated more than 90% dispersion within one hour with continued stabilization of the emulsion. The company plans to advance specific formulations into pre-clinical and clinical development.