Company Overview - Vertanical is a Munich-based pharmaceutical company developing a cannabinoid-based extract, Ver-01, aimed at treating chronic pain, with hopes for approval in the EU and the U.S. [1][4] - The founder, Clemens Fischer, has invested over $250 million of his own money into Vertanical since its establishment in 2017 [4][10]. Product Development - Ver-01 has successfully passed Phase III clinical trials in Germany, showing effectiveness greater than opioid painkillers with fewer side effects and no evidence of addiction [4][6]. - The company is awaiting marketing approval from German and Austrian authorities, with plans to apply for broader EU authorization and to launch Phase III trials in the U.S. by 2026 [4][10]. Market Potential - The U.S. cannabis industry is valued at $32 billion in 2024, but the focus for Vertanical is on the pharmaceutical approval process rather than the recreational market [3][6]. - The market for non-opioid pain relievers is significant, with 125 million opioid prescriptions written in the U.S. in 2023, representing a market worth approximately $20 billion annually [6][7]. Competitive Landscape - Vertanical aims to be the first non-opioid chronic pain treatment worldwide, competing with existing alternatives and addressing the urgent need for effective pain management solutions [5][6]. - Other companies, such as the Stanley Brothers, are also developing cannabis-derived drugs, indicating a growing interest in FDA-approved cannabis medicines [8][9]. Financial Projections - If approved, Ver-01 is expected to achieve blockbuster status, with projected revenues exceeding $2 billion within the first two years on the market [11][12]. - The average cost to bring a new drug through the FDA approval process is around $880 million, with a high failure rate, emphasizing the financial risks involved [10][11].