Revolutionizing Cannabis Medicine
Avextra Portugal has embarked on an ambitious journey with the launch of its in-house breeding program aimed at developing proprietary cannabis varieties. This initiative is set to create specific, consistent, and reproducible cannabinoid and terpene profiles, crucial for advancing medical cannabis research and production.
A Comprehensive Phenohunt
Over the next two years, Avextra plans to utilize a total of 5,000 seeds in a thorough phenohunt of its cannabis cultivars. So far, the team has already germinated 600 seeds, identifying unique plant phenotypes through rigorous chemical analysis. This meticulous process is designed to ensure that the resulting plants meet the company’s stringent specifications.
Expertise at the Helm
The breeding program is spearheaded by industry veterans, including Alan Sutton, the former Director of Botanical Research at GW Pharmaceuticals, and genetics specialist Steven Tan. Sutton brings invaluable experience from his tenure at GW Pharmaceuticals, the company responsible for the regulatory-approved cannabinoid-based medicines Sativex and Epidiolex. Tan’s extensive knowledge of cannabis genetics will further enhance the program’s success.
Meeting Complex Patient Needs
This innovative breeding initiative is a vital part of Avextra’s intellectual property strategy, aligning with the company’s commitment to developing safe and effective cannabis-based medicines tailored to complex patient needs. The program aims to create stable cannabinoid outputs, particularly focusing on THC and CBD levels, which are essential for therapeutic applications.
Optimized for Therapeutic Use
Avextra’s breeding program emphasizes several key factors essential for producing high-quality cannabis. These include:
- Stable Major Cannabinoid Output: Ensuring elevated levels of THC and CBD for effective therapeutic formulations.
- Terpene and Phytochemical Compound Selection: Isolating plants with desirable attributes to minimize side effects for patients.
- Adaptation to Local Cultivation Environment: Optimizing botanical materials to produce consistent outputs in Portugal’s Alentejo region.
- Efficient Extraction Processes: Delivering unique profiles post-extraction for therapeutic applications.
Commitment to Quality and Safety
Neil Smith, Chief Operating Officer at Avextra, emphasized the significance of the breeding program in cultivating effective medicines. He stated, “Our goal is to meticulously breed and stabilize plant varieties unique to Avextra that set a new benchmark in therapeutic quality, safety, and efficacy.” This commitment is especially important for addressing the needs of vulnerable patient populations.
About Avextra AG
Founded in 2019 and based in Germany, Avextra is a leading player in the European medical cannabis sector. The company operates as a vertically integrated entity, controlling the entire value chain from cultivation in Portugal to EU-GMP certified extraction and manufacturing in Germany. Avextra collaborates closely with healthcare professionals to develop precisely formulated cannabis-based medicines, ensuring a high standard of quality and efficacy.
Looking Ahead
As Avextra continues to develop its breeding program, the potential for creating innovative cannabis-based medicines grows. This initiative not only represents a significant step forward for the company but also highlights a broader commitment to advancing the field of medical cannabis. With the right blend of expertise, research, and dedication, Avextra is poised to make a lasting impact on the future of therapeutic cannabis.