MediPharm Labs Australia Signs First International White-Label Supply Deal with New Zealand based Helius Therapeutics

BARRIE, Ontario, April 24, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- MediPharm Labs Corp. (TSX: LABS) (OTCQX: MEDIF) (FSE: MLZ) (“MediPharm Labs” or the “Company”) a global leader in specialized, research-driven pharmaceutical-quality cannabis extraction, distillation and derivative products, is pleased to announce that its subsidiary, MediPharm Labs Australia Pty Ltd (“MediPharm Labs Australia”), has entered into an agreement to supply pharmaceutical-quality (GMP certified), white-label, cannabis oil products to Helius Therapeutics Limited (“Helius Therapeutics”), a biotechnology company focused on medicinal cannabis production, distribution and research and development.

This agreement represents MediPharm Labs Australia’s first international supply agreement and is to export finished oil products to New Zealand based Helius Therapeutics. Through its established distribution relationships, Helius Therapeutics will distribute the medicinal cannabis products under its own brand to licensed pharmacies across New Zealand. In New Zealand, medicinal cannabis products must not be in a form intended for smoking and require a physician’s script for unapproved medicines.

“We are excited to be working with Helius Therapeutics, true industry leaders in medicinal cannabis production, distribution and clinical research committed to bringing pharma quality cannabis products to patients across New Zealand,” said Warren Everitt, Chief Executive Officer, MediPharm Labs Australia. “New Zealand is poised to see increased demand from patients for medicinal cannabis as new rules put in place this month are expected to make it easier, while providing more confidence, for doctors looking to prescribe medicinal cannabis products. With our expertise, pharma-focused team of scientists, and global supply chain of Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) oil-based product, we are positioned well to meet demand and the new minimum quality standards set out by regulators that require all medicinal cannabis products distributed in New Zealand be manufactured under GMP.”

Under the agreement, which has an initial two-year term, MediPharm Labs Australia will supply a range of GMP certified cannabis oil products including a “High-CBD”, a “Balanced” and a “High-THC” formulation in a sublingual dose form.

“New Zealand is one of the world’s newest and most dynamic medicinal cannabis markets. Under new regulations enacted this month, Helius Therapeutics is excited to begin serving patients through healthcare professionals and licensed pharmacies across the country,” said Paul Manning, Chief Executive Officer, Helius Therapeutics. "We are thrilled to be partnering with MediPharm Labs Australia, coupling one of New Zealand’s largest medicinal cannabis companies with one of the world’s leading cannabinoid wholesalers. Even more encouraging, is our ability to remain ahead of the curve as we look to source new active pharmaceutical ingredients and innovative products from MediPharm Labs as we expand our offerings to meet evolving patient needs.”

The agreement will become effective upon confirmation from the New Zealand Medicines and Medical Devices Safety Authority (Medsafe) that the products meet applicable New Zealand quality and regulatory standards for medicinal cannabis products.

About Helius Therapeutics

Helius Therapeutics is a biotechnology company focused on medicinal cannabis research and development and distribution. Helius Therapeutics has designed a state-of-the-art facility in Auckland with controlled growing systems, integrated extraction site, advanced cannabinoid research laboratories and manufacturing operations. As New Zealand's regulatory environment changes, Helius Therapeutics is poised to set the standard for effective and accessible medicinal cannabis products in New Zealand and beyond.

About MediPharm Labs

Founded in 2015, MediPharm Labs specializes in the production of purified, pharmaceutical-quality cannabis oil and concentrates and advanced derivative products utilizing a Good Manufacturing Practices certified facility with ISO standard-built clean rooms. MediPharm Labs has invested in an expert, research driven team, state-of-the-art technology, downstream purification methodologies and purpose-built facilities with five primary extraction lines for delivery of pure, trusted and precision-dosed cannabis products for its customers. Through its wholesale and white label platforms, MediPharm Labs formulates, develops (including through sensory testing), processes, packages and distributes cannabis extracts and advanced cannabinoid-based products to domestic and international markets. As a global leader, MediPharm Labs has completed commercial exports to Australia and is nearing commercialization of its Australian extraction facility. MediPharm Labs Australia was established in 2017.

For further information, please contact:

Laura Lepore, VP, Investor Relations and Communications

Telephone: 416-913-7425 ext. 1525

Email:

Website:

CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION:

This news release contains “forward-looking information” and “forward-looking statements” (collectively, “forward-looking statements”) within the meaning of the applicable Canadian securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements and are based on expectations, estimates and projections as at the date of this news release. Any statement that involves discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions, future events or performance (often but not always using phrases such as “expects”, or “does not expect”, “is expected”, “anticipates” or “does not anticipate”, “plans”, “budget”, “scheduled”, “forecasts”, “estimates”, “believes” or “intends” or variations of such words and phrases or stating that certain actions, events or results “may” or “could”, “would”, “might” or “will” be taken to occur or be achieved) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking statements. In this news release, forward-looking statements relate to, among other things, supply of products to Helius Therapeutics for distribution pursuant to the agreement, including satisfaction of applicable regulatory requirements and confirmations from Medsafe; further distribution by Helius Therapeutics through licensed pharmacies across New Zealand; increased patient demand in New Zealand; and sourcing of new active pharmaceutical ingredients and innovative products from MediPharm Labs by Helius Therapeutics. Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable, are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors which may cause the actual results and future events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, but are not limited to: general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties; the inability of MediPharm Labs to obtain adequate financing; the delay or failure to receive regulatory approvals; and other factors discussed in MediPharm Labs’ filings, available on the SEDAR website at There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements and information contained in this news release. Except as required by law, MediPharm Labs assumes no obligation to update the forward-looking statements of beliefs, opinions, projections, or other factors, should they change.

All information contained in this press release with respect to Helius Therapeutics was supplied by Helius Therapeutics for inclusion herein.