AU: Cannabis cultivation research permit awarded for RMIT botanical and cancer programs

MGC Pharmaceuticals has been granted a Cannabis Research Cultivation Permit (‘Permit’) from the Australian Office of Drug Control (‘ODC’). This follows the receipt of the Cannabis Research Licence in 2019.

"The receipt of a Permit enables MXC to proceed with botanical research projects in collaboration with RMIT University which includes cultivating and breeding strains in order to test against cancer cells, with the aim of optimising efficacy," the team with the company explains. "Strains will be screened for anticancer activity, initially melanoma and prostate cancers."

The botanical research will leverage existing MGC Pharma IP and focus on identifying new cannabinoids and formulas to find new treatments. Initially the research analysis is to specifically target efficacy against melanoma, prostate and other cancer cells.

"This approval will also allow MXC to register its genetics and research findings in Australia which can be used and leveraged to meet future needs and collaborate with other establishments across Australia to create new genetics and improve the genetics available within the Australian market," they further explain. "Receipt of this research permit further progresses MXC’s Australian operations and supports its nature to medicine business strategy."

Roby Zomer, Co-founder and Managing Director of MGC Pharma, commented: “The grant of a cannabis research cultivation permit is an important step forward for MXC in Australia as we continue to broaden the potential application of our phytocannabinoid derived medicinal products. Importantly, the permit also allows the Company to collaborate with other establishments to not only improve existing genetics, but also create new genetics for the Australian market.”