Argent and AusCann partner to accelerate cannabinoid pharma development

Argent BioPharma and AusCann Group join forces through a new strategic agreement to advance cannabinoid-based pharmaceutical development.

Argent and AusCann will collaborate to advance cannabinoid-based pharmaceutical development. Pic via Getty Images

• Argent BioPharma and AusCann ink strategic partnership to accelerate cannabinoid-based pharmaceutical development

• Collaboration to leverage each company's proprietary datasets and regulatory expertise

• Partnership aims to streamline regulatory submissions and enhance market readiness for cannabinoid-based medicines

 

Argent BioPharma and AusCann Group have joined forces with a new strategic agreement to advance cannabinoid-based pharmaceutical development by sharing proprietary data and regulatory expertise.

Under the deal, the formerly ASX-listed AusCann Group will license its trademarked CannEpil chemistry, manufacturing controls (CMC) and dossier specifically for non-epilepsy related pharmaceutical programs from Argent BioPharma (ASX:RGT).

Argent’s flagship cannabinoid-based therapy for refractory epilepsy is recognised for its innovative approach in neuroimmune modulation and cannabinoid therapeutics.

Argent said the licensing deal ensures no competition with its epilepsy-focused portfolio.

It also enables AusCann to enhance its programs with Argent’s proven regulatory and clinical frameworks.

Additionally, both companies will gain access to Neuvis, AusCann’s proprietary self-emulsifying hard-shell capsule formulation.

This includes pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics data that has demonstrated improved stability, bioavailability and scalable manufacturing potential.

A joint steering committee with representatives from both companies will be formed to oversee R&D efforts, optimise data use and streamline regulatory pathways.

The agreement features a deferred licensing fee structure, with royalties on pharmaceutical products developed using jointly leveraged data, R&D, or assets.

Joining forces for future growth

Argent said the deal was expected to open new opportunities in cannabinoid-based drug development, drive mutual value creation and support more efficient regulatory pathways.

The collaboration aims to lower regulatory development costs and provide both companies with greater access to valuable preclinical and clinical data.

Argent chairman Roby Zomer said the strategic agreement with AusCann was a major validation of the value the company had created through years of focused investment in its CannEpil program.

“By licensing our CMC and regulatory dossier for non-epilepsy indications, we’re unlocking new revenue streams while maintaining the integrity of our epilepsy portfolio,” Zomer said.

“The integration of our proprietary data into AusCann’s development pipeline demonstrates the real-world utility and market relevance of our scientific work.

“This collaboration marks a significant step forward in Argent BioPharma’s strategy to capitalise on our intellectual assets and extend our leadership in cannabinoid-based therapeutics."

Deal for Malta manufacturing facility

Argent recently announced it entered a collaboration with David Trading granting exclusive rights to operate its Malta manufacturing facility for 49 years with a significant cost saving of potentially US$1 million annually on its operational expenses.

The facility is dedicated to the production of Argent’s CimetrA, a compounded, multi-targeted anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory formulation designed to address severe inflammatory responses.

The facility was strongly supported by the Maltese Government through multi-million-dollar grants.

Originally published as Argent and AusCann partner to accelerate cannabinoid pharma development