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].

TORONTO, Aug. 14, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Avicanna Inc. ("Avicanna" or "Company") (TSX: AVCN) (OTCQX: AVCNF) (FSE: 0NN) a biopharmaceutical company focused on the development, manufacturing, and commercialization of plant-derived cannabinoid-based products is pleased to announce and report the results of Q2 2025. Management Commentary: "Q2 marked another milestone in Avicanna's journey, fueled by advancements in our pipeline and deeper engagement with the Canadian medical community. In Canada, we delivered ...

Core Viewpoint - MediPharm Labs Corp. is set to release its second quarter financial results for the period ending June 30, 2025, on August 14, 2025, before market opening [1] Group 1: Financial Results Announcement - The company will host a conference call and webcast on August 14, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. Eastern time to discuss its financial results [2] - Participants are encouraged to dial in approximately 15 minutes before the start of the call [3] Group 2: Company Overview - Founded in 2015, MediPharm Labs specializes in the development and manufacture of purified, pharmaceutical-quality cannabis concentrates and advanced derivative products [5] - The company operates a Good Manufacturing Practices certified facility with ISO standard-built clean rooms [5] - MediPharm Labs has invested in a research-driven team and state-of-the-art technology for the delivery of precision-dosed cannabis products [5] Group 3: Regulatory and Market Expansion - In 2021, MediPharm Labs received a Pharmaceutical Drug Establishment License from Health Canada, becoming the only company in North America with a commercial-scale domestic Good Manufacturing Practices License for the extraction of multiple natural cannabinoids [6] - In 2023, the company acquired VIVO Cannabis Inc., expanding its reach to medical patients in Canada, Australia, and Germany [7]

Core Insights - MediPharm Labs Corp. has launched a new Shake & Puff CBN THC Nighttime Inhaler in Canada, expanding its CBN oil product portfolio and building on the success of its earlier THC Inhaler [1][2] Product Overview - The new metered dose inhaler provides a precise formulation of minor cannabinoid CBN and THC in a smoke-free format, designed for nighttime use with a fast onset experience [2][4] - The inhaler format ensures precision and repeatability, offering a familiar and discreet option similar to asthma inhalers, with no lingering smell or by-products [4][11] Strategic Positioning - The launch is part of MediPharm's strategy to deliver innovative, pharma-grade cannabinoid products globally, positioning the company to lead in smoke-free, precisely dosed formats that align with consumer wellness trends and medical needs [2][5] - The company plans to expand its inhaler offerings with additional CBD and CBG options in the future, continuing to lead in pharma-grade cannabinoid innovation [5] Company Background - MediPharm Labs specializes in the development and manufacture of purified, pharmaceutical-quality cannabis concentrates and advanced derivative products, operating in a GMP certified facility [6] - The company received a Pharmaceutical Drug Establishment License from Health Canada in 2021, becoming the only North American company with a commercial-scale GMP License for the extraction of multiple natural cannabinoids [7] - In 2023, MediPharm acquired VIVO Cannabis Inc., enhancing its reach to medical patients in Canada and expanding into international markets [8]

Core Viewpoint - MediPharm Labs Corp. has received a recommendation from Glass Lewis to support its nominees for the Board of Directors in the upcoming shareholder meeting on June 16, 2025 [1][2] Group 1: Shareholder Voting - Glass Lewis is the second independent proxy advisory firm to recommend voting for the Company's nominees, following a similar recommendation from ISS [2] - MediPharm urges shareholders to vote using the GREEN proxy to support all nominees and resolutions, with votes due by 3:00 p.m. Eastern time on June 13, 2025 [3] - Shareholders are encouraged to contact their broker for their control number to ensure their vote is counted [4] Group 2: Company Overview - Founded in 2015, MediPharm Labs specializes in the development and manufacture of pharmaceutical-quality cannabis concentrates and products [5] - The company received a Pharmaceutical Drug Establishment License from Health Canada in 2021, making it the only North American company with a commercial-scale GMP License for cannabinoid extraction [6] - In 2023, MediPharm acquired VIVO Cannabis Inc., expanding its reach to medical patients in Canada, Australia, and Germany [7]

Core Viewpoint - MediPharm Labs Corp. has successfully dismissed a legal application from Apollo Technology Capital Corporation and Nobul Technologies Inc. regarding the appointment of a third-party independent chair for the upcoming shareholder meeting [1][2][3] Legal Proceedings - The Superior Court of Justice in Ontario dismissed the application that sought to appoint an independent chair for the Annual and Special Meeting of Shareholders scheduled for June 16, 2025 [1][2] - The Court found no evidence that MediPharm's proposed meeting chair would act unfairly, thus negating the need for a third-party chair [3] Allegations and Conduct - Apollo's principal, Mr. Regan McGee, made serious allegations against MediPharm, including securities fraud and breach of fiduciary duty, and threatened to release damaging statements [3] - Mr. McGee initiated a lawsuit claiming $50 million in damages against MediPharm and its senior officers, but later withdrew certain claims and agreed to terms that included a declaration of no conflict of interest for the Company's legal counsel [3] Shareholder Voting Guidance - MediPharm encourages shareholders to vote using only the GREEN proxy or voting instruction card to support the Board's nominees and resolutions [4][5] - Shareholders are advised to contact their brokers to obtain their control numbers for voting and to disregard any communications from dissident parties [6] Company Overview - Founded in 2015, MediPharm Labs specializes in the development and manufacture of pharmaceutical-quality cannabis products [7][8] - The company holds a Pharmaceutical Drug Establishment License from Health Canada, making it the only North American company with a commercial-scale GMP license for cannabinoid extraction [9] - In 2023, MediPharm expanded its operations through the acquisition of VIVO Cannabis Inc., enhancing its reach in the medical cannabis market [10]

Core Viewpoint - Institutional Shareholder Services (ISS) recommends that MediPharm shareholders vote for the company's nominees for the Board of Directors, stating that the dissident, Apollo, has not presented a compelling case for change [2][6]. Group 1: ISS Report Findings - The ISS Report concludes that Apollo's claims lack sufficient evidence, highlighting that since Q2 2022, quarterly revenues have more than doubled, adjusted EBITDA has improved from a $6.3 million loss to a $0.1 million gain, and gross margins have expanded by 50.9 percentage points [4][5]. - The report indicates that MediPharm has shown multiple years of improving financial results, particularly under CEO David Pidduck's leadership, and has a logical strategy focusing on higher margin international markets [4][5]. - The ISS Report states that the company has generally outperformed its peers and experienced a clear operational turnaround, contradicting the dissident's claims of peril [4][5]. Group 2: Recommendations for Shareholders - ISS recommends that shareholders vote for the resolution to fix the number of directors at seven, approve MNP LLP as auditors, and authorize the Board to fix their remuneration [6]. - Shareholders are advised to vote against the resolution to approve all unallocated awards under the Company's equity incentive plan [6]. - MediPharm urges shareholders to use the GREEN proxy or voting instruction form to support all of the Company's nominees and resolutions [7][8]. Group 3: Company Background - MediPharm Labs specializes in the development and manufacture of pharmaceutical-quality cannabis concentrates and has a GMP-certified facility [9]. - The company received a Pharmaceutical Drug Establishment License from Health Canada in 2021, becoming the only North American company with a commercial-scale domestic GMP License for cannabinoid extraction [10]. - In 2023, MediPharm acquired VIVO Cannabis Inc., expanding its reach to medical patients in Canada and internationally [11].

Core Insights - MediPharm Labs Corp. has commenced production of novel cannabis metered dose inhalers for the EU and the UK, adhering to global pharmaceutical standards and distributed by Blackpoint Limited [1][4] - The inhaler offers a smoke-free option for patients, delivering precise doses of cannabis active pharmaceutical ingredients (API) without combustion or heating [2][8] - The company plans to launch these inhalers in Australia, the EU, and the UK in Q3 of 2025, following their introduction in the Canadian market [3] Company Overview - MediPharm Labs specializes in the development and manufacture of pharmaceutical-quality cannabis concentrates and products, utilizing a GMP-certified facility [6] - The company holds a Pharmaceutical Drug Establishment License from Health Canada, making it the only North American company with a commercial-scale GMP license for extracting multiple natural cannabinoids [7] Market Strategy - MediPharm Labs is the exclusive supplier of the cannabis metered dose inhaler to Blackpoint, which will leverage its distribution networks in the EU and the UK [8] - The European medicinal cannabis market is projected to be worth €834 million in 2024, indicating significant growth potential for MediPharm's products [8][12] Product Features - The metered dose inhaler is designed for medical applications, providing a discreet and effective delivery method similar to traditional asthma inhalers [8] - The product is manufactured under stringent GMP standards, ensuring high quality and safety for medical use [8]

Core Viewpoint - MediPharm Labs Corp. has successfully removed all conditions precedent related to the sale of its Hope Facility to Rubicon Organics Inc. for $4.5 million, which is expected to close in June 2025, enhancing the company's cash position and maintaining its virtually debt-free status [1][2][3]. Financial Impact - The $4.5 million proceeds from the sale will support MediPharm's strategy to deliver long-term value for shareholders and partners, focusing on international growth and acquisition opportunities [3]. - Since the implementation of its cost-reduction strategy in Q2 2022, MediPharm has reduced operating and overhead costs by approximately $42 million annually [4]. Asset Management - The Hope Facility was acquired during the VIVO Cannabis Inc. acquisition in 2023, and all commercial activities at this facility ceased in 2024, consolidating operations at other facilities to reduce costs [3]. - The total value of asset sales since 2022, including the Hope Facility, amounts to approximately $14 million, contributing to cost reduction and strengthening the balance sheet [3]. Company Overview - MediPharm Labs, founded in 2015, specializes in the development and manufacture of pharmaceutical-quality cannabis concentrates and products, operating under Good Manufacturing Practices [5]. - The company holds a Pharmaceutical Drug Establishment License from Health Canada, making it the only North American company with a commercial-scale GMP license for extracting multiple natural cannabinoids [6]. - The acquisition of VIVO Cannabis Inc. in 2023 expanded MediPharm's reach to medical patients in Canada, Australia, and Germany [7].

Core Viewpoint - MediPharm Labs Corp. is addressing concerns regarding Regan McGee, a dissident shareholder and CEO of Apollo Technology Capital Corporation, who is seeking to elect himself and five other directors to the MediPharm board at the upcoming shareholder meeting [1][2]. Group 1: Allegations Against Regan McGee - Allegations have been made against Mr. McGee regarding his business conduct, including claims of misusing company resources and setting his own compensation through a conflicted process [3][6]. - Former colleagues of Mr. McGee have accused him of misrepresenting the nature of Nobul Technologies Inc.'s business, claiming it was a technology innovator when it primarily operated as a traditional real estate brokerage [7][8]. - There are serious allegations that Mr. McGee and his associates misled investors about Nobul's financial health and used funds for personal enrichment rather than business expansion [12][14]. Group 2: Legal Proceedings - Multiple litigation cases involving Nobul Technologies Inc. and Mr. McGee have been cited, including claims of fraudulent misrepresentation and breach of fiduciary duty [26][30]. - The allegations in these cases include claims that Mr. McGee used Nobul as a façade to deceive investors, leading to significant financial losses for those who invested based on misleading information [13][14]. - The legal actions also highlight governance issues, with former directors expressing concerns about Mr. McGee's control over the company and the lack of transparency in operations [10][11]. Group 3: MediPharm's Position - MediPharm urges shareholders to support its nominees and resolutions by voting with the GREEN proxy, emphasizing the importance of governance and the qualifications of its board members [16][17]. - The company has communicated that shareholders should disregard any outreach from the dissident group and focus on the information provided by MediPharm [18].