CounsellingMatch Launches Innovative Online Service to Increase Fit Between Mental Health Professionals and their Clients at the Onset of the Therapeutic Relationship

VANCOUVER, July 23, 2019 /CNW/ - CounsellingMatch Marketing Inc., a firm dedicated to optimizing the way people seek out mental health professionals, is now operating its web-based directory and search service across the province of British Columbia. Counsellingmatch.com is the first website of its kind in Canada to utilize a research-based personality profile matching system to allow people to personalize their search for mental health professionals by likelihood of compatibility.

"There are many headwinds facing people who are trying to seek out mental health help today, and we hope our service will make an impact in reducing the trepidation that comes with reaching out to a stranger for help" said Yarko Petriw, Director of Marketing for CounsellingMatch. "Seeking out a mental health professional is a bold and important step in the pursuit of wellness, so it shouldn't feel like a blind date. Our website allows people to search for counsellors, psychologists and therapists based on how well they match on key elements of personality. We hope this increases client and counsellor confidence in their ability to work together right from the very start".

With over 200 counsellors registered on the site to-date, Counsellingmatch is making connections for people seeking mental health help across the province. In addition to its unique personality-based matching system, CounsellingMatch allows people to filter their search by a variety of important differentiators including geography, cost and treatment issues. 

About Counsellingmatch Marketing Inc.

CounsellingMatch is a Vancouver, BC based company that provides an online service where mental health professionals can be matched with potential clients using an innovative personality-based matching algorithm.

The service is free to those seeking help, and offers a limited-time free trial for mental health professionals.

SOURCE Counsellingmatch Marketing

Lake of the Woods Brewing Co. Turns to Province Brands of Canada Launch Cannabis Beer

Countdown to Phase Two of Canadian Cannabis Legalization

CAMBRIDGE BAY, NUNAVUT -- July 22, 2019 -- Province Brands of Canada, developers of the world’s first and only beers brewed from the cannabis plant — today announced an agreement allowing Lake of the Woods Brewing Company to use its technologies to craft cannabis beer under the Lake of the Woods label. 

“As Ontario’s northern-most brewer, we trace our craft beer heritage back more than 120 years with a commitment to quality, natural ingredients, and blazing new trails,” said Taras Manzie, President and CEO of Lake of the Woods.  “Our new relationship with Province Brands of Canada positions Lake of the Woods once again to bring quality, natural ingredients and innovation to our treasured clients as the next phase of cannabis legalization in Canada approaches.”

Recreational cannabis use became legal in Canada in October 2018 for dried and fresh cannabis, oil, plants and seeds. It is expected that the Canadian government will legalize drinks, food, and other edibles containing cannabis by October of this year. 

Today’s announced agreement allows Lake of the Woods to license Province Brands of Canada’s patent-pending technology to mash and ferment cannabis -- instead of more traditional barley -- and brew beers in Province Brand’s 123,000 square foot facility in Grimsby, Ontario (currently under construction). This process will start once the manufacture and sale of such products are legalized in Canada. 

Under the agreement, Lake of the Woods and Province Brands will collaborate to launch non-alcoholic beer brewed from cannabis, which will intoxicate using marijuana instead of alcohol. The beer will be available wherever cannabis can be legally sold in Canada under the Cannabis Act, once such sales are legal. 

Over the past two and a half years, Province Brands of Canada has developed a patent-pending process for brewing a premium beer from the cannabis plant. The first steps in the brewing process, milling and “mashing” (i.e. saccharifying or extracting fermentable sugars from the cannabis plant), requires specialized equipment and technology, which would not be found in a more traditional brewery. 

Lake of the Woods will work closely with Province Brands’ master brewer Rob Kevwitch to develop non-alcoholic cannabis-brewed craft beers. Because the beer is brewed from cannabis, rather than barley, it will be naturally gluten-free and low in calories and sugar. The beers brewed will be consistent with Lake of the Woods traditions, which focuses on commitment to quality, natural ingredients, and customer satisfaction.  

“I love it when a plan comes together,” said Dooma Wendschuh, CEO and Co-Founder of Province Brands. “When we started this company in 2016 people thought we were crazy.  They would tell us cannabis beverages would never become legal in Canada.  Here we are on the eve of legalization of cannabis beverages and we’re light years ahead of the competition.  We’ve perfected our process, moved into an incredible facility, and assembled a true “A-Team” of the best and brightest researchers and brewers in the industry.  It’s because of these almost three years of hard work that we’ve been able to earn the trust of a major player like Lake of the Woods.  We’re incredibly grateful for their interest and thrilled to be beginning this adventure with them.”

This is the 9^th such licensing agreement recently announced by Province Brands of Canada.

About Lake of the Woods Brewing Company 

Ontario’s northernmost brewer, Kenora-based Lake of Woods Brewing Company is an independent, family-owned and -operated purveyor of fine lagers, ales and stouts. The company began its story in 1898 and in 2010 was re-imagined by new owners Taras Manzie, Audrey Manzie, Rob Dokuchie, Frank Leroux, and Gene Manzie while maintaining a focus on natural ingredients in its fresh, local, handcrafted beer. 

Lake of the Woods employs 80 full-time staff, many more in the busy summer months, and is expanding with a new brewery Minnesota, USA, another on the way in Winnipeg, MB, and a large production expansion in Kenora.

About Province Brands of Canada 

Province Brands of Canada is a research and development / IP generation company developing a suite of innovative technologies with applications across the cannabis and adult beverage industries. The first technology we are bringing to market is a revolutionary technique for crafting the world's first beers brewed from cannabis in place of grains or barley. We are mining the untapped potential of the cannabis plant to create less harmful alternatives to alcohol. We will be developing these beers in our own 123,000 sq ft facility in Grimsby, Ontario, Canada.

For more information, please visit: www.provincebrands.com Twitter & Instagram: @provincebrands | Facebook: /provincebrands 

ProMIS Neurosciences Highlights Data for PMN310 at AAIC 2019

Alzheimer's Association International Conference includes oral session on PMN310 for Alzheimer's disease and poster presentation on ALS 

TORONTO and CAMBRIDGE, MA, July 18, 2019 /CNW/ - ProMIS Neurosciences, Inc. (TSX: PMN) (OTCQB: ARFXF), a biotechnology company focused on the discovery and development of antibody therapeutics targeting toxic oligomers implicated in the development of neurodegenerative diseases, presented data today for its lead clinical candidate, PMN310 for Alzheimer's disease, at the annual Alzheimer's Association International Conference^® (AAIC) in Los Angeles. In an oral presentation, Chief Development Officer Dr. Johanne Kaplan highlighted the therapeutic potential of PMN310 against the toxic oligomer form of amyloid beta (AßO), a root cause of Alzheimer's disease. The presentation is now available at www.promisneurosciences.com. Additionally, Chief Scientific Officer Dr. Neil Cashman presented data pertaining to the company's preclinical development program selectively targeting toxic forms of TDP43 for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD).

In today's oral session, Dr. Johanne Kaplan demonstrated PMN310's ability to: 

• Inhibit both the spread and toxicity of AßOs in vitro; 
• Prevent AßO-induced loss of memory formation in vivo; 
• Reduce both synaptic loss and inflammation in vivo; and, 
• Compare favorably with other Aß-directed antibodies, showing a lack of adverse event-associated binding to Aß deposits in AD brains, and greater selective binding to AßO-enriched AD brain fractions that contain Aß neurotoxic species.

On Wednesday, July 17, Dr. Neil Cashman delivered data from ProMIS' preclinical program for ALS. Dr. Cashman's poster presentation demonstrated the role of toxic, misfolded TDP43 as a root cause of neurodegenerative diseases such as ALS and FTD. 

Commenting on this year's conference, Dr. Kaplan shared: "This year's gathering was arguably one of the most significant as the research community pivots from a year of discouragement and failure toward hope. New, incredibly promising therapy development efforts are underway to target the correct, toxic form of amyloid beta, advance new biomarkers that can better identify promising therapy candidates early and mature understanding of new, emerging targets such as tau and sources of neuroinflammation. With nearly three decades of hard lessons under our belt, it is wonderful to be a part of the new, shared momentum and excitement around the path ahead."

AAIC^® is the largest, most influential international meeting focused on advancing dementia science. The 2019 conference ended today in Los Angeles, California. For information on data presented, please visit www.alz.org/aaic. 

About ProMIS Neurosciences
ProMIS Neurosciences, Inc. is a development stage biotechnology company focused on discovering and developing antibody therapeutics selectively targeting toxic oligomers implicated in the development and progression of neurodegenerative diseases, in particular Alzheimer's disease (AD), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and Parkinson's disease (PD). The Company's proprietary target discovery platform is based on the use of two complementary thermodynamic, computational discovery engines - ProMIS and Collective Coordinates - to predict novel targets known as Disease Specific Epitopes on the molecular surface of misfolded proteins. Using this unique precision approach, the Company is developing novel antibody therapeutics for AD, ALS and PD. ProMIS is headquartered in Toronto, Ontario, with offices in Cambridge, Massachusetts. ProMIS is listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol PMN, and on the OTCQB Venture Market under the symbol ARFXF.

To learn more, visit us at www.promisneurosciences.com, follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn and listen to the podcast, Saving Minds, at iTunes or Spotify.

The TSX has not reviewed and does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This information release contains certain forward-looking information. Such information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from those implied by statements herein, and therefore these statements should not be read as guarantees of future performance or results. All forward-looking statements are based on the Company's current beliefs as well as assumptions made by and information currently available to it as well as other factors. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release. Due to risks and uncertainties, including the risks and uncertainties identified by the Company in its public securities filings, actual events may differ materially from current expectations. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

SOURCE ProMIS Neurosciences Inc.

For further information:

For media inquiries, please contact: Shanti Skiffington, shanti.skiffington@gmail.com, Tel. 617 921-0808; For Investor Relations please contact: Alpine Equity Advisors, Nicholas Rigopulos, President, nick@alpineequityadv.com, Tel. 617 901-0785

Saugeen Ojibway Nation and Bruce Power forge new partnership to collaborate on life-saving medical Isotopes

TIVERTON, ON, July 18, 2019 /CNW/ - The Saugeen Ojibway Nation (SON) and Bruce Power have entered into a collaboration agreement to jointly market new isotopes in support of the global fight against cancer while also working together on creating new economic opportunities within the SON territory by establishing new isotope infrastructure. 

The agreement will leverage a project announced by Bruce Power last week to produce Lutetium-177 used to treat prostate cancer with production starting in 2022 following regulatory and other approvals. By working together on the Lutetium project, Bruce Power and SON will engage on marketing and collaboration, while working with government to leverage this opportunity and create sustainable economic benefits. 

"This is a historic partnership between Bruce Power and the SON that will see us join forces in the fight against cancer worldwide as we work to develop new isotopes, starting with Lutetium-177," said Mike Rencheck, Bruce Power's President and CEO. "By working together we can find innovative ways to market and promote this global leadership opportunity for both Ontario and Canada while creating economic benefits for SON."

Bruce Power and SON have been exploring this opportunity to work together for several months and this agreement followed extensive dialogue and community engagement sessions at both Saugeen First Nation and the Nawash Unceded First Nation in June and July.

"Many of our community members have been impacted by cancer in some way, and I believe that working with Bruce Power on the next generation of life-saving isotopes in the SON Territory is an opportunity for us to have a positive impact on the people and families touched by cancer," said Greg Nadjiwon, Chief of Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation. "This is a historic partnership not only for us here in our Territory as the Saugeen Ojibway Nation, but it is bigger than us as we work to develop a project that will be important for Canada and the world." 

The partnership will seek to build on an announcement last week where Bruce Power teamed-up with Kinetrics and Framatome Canada Ltd. to develop an Isotope Production System deployable on all Bruce Power units that can also support the future production of other isotopes in addition to Lutetium-177. This will leverage the multi-unit Bruce Power site to provide a stable, redundant supply for many decades to come.

"This partnership will allow us to jointly market this project and engage governments to align this Project with their priorities and goals. We will be playing a leadership role in the fight against cancer and at the same time building economic opportunities within the SON Territory and for our SON Communities and Community members," said Lester Anoquot, Chief of Saugeen First Nation.

This will leverage the multi-unit Bruce Power site to provide a stable supply for many decades to come which is welcome news to the 1-7 men diagnosed with prostate cancer.

"An average of 11 Canadian men die from prostate cancer every day. We're working with our partners to change that statistic, developing innovative radioisotope treatments," says Peter Coleridge, President and CEO, Prostate Cancer Canada. "Radioisotopes play a crucial role from diagnosis to treating advanced forms of the disease for which there is no cure. That's why we're excited about new treatments in the pipeline that are giving men and their families hope for the future. Together, we can save and improve more lives."

Bruce Power is a founding member of the Canadian Nuclear Isotope Council (CNIC), whose members are working together to ensure Canada remains a world leader in the production of life-saving radioisotopes by raising awareness and supporting long-term policies at the domestic and international level. 

"This partnership between Bruce Power and SON will send a strong message across Canada and the world that we are committed to doing our part in the fight against cancer by ensuring our country remains at the forefront of isotope innovation and supply," said James Scongack, Chair of the Canadian Nuclear Isotope Council. "A partnership of this nature will create a needed export and supply opportunity for Lutetium-177 and can align well with many public policy priorities at both the provincial and federal level."

Kim Rudd, MP for Northumberland-Peterborough South and a strong advocate for the nuclear industry in Canada offered praise for the announcement. 

"Our government has been committed to renewed relationships with Indigenous peoples, based on reconciliation and recognition of rights, respect, and co-operation. This partnership between the Saugeen Ojibway Nation and Bruce Power to collaborate on Isotope production will not only help to expand Canada's leadership role in the global community by supporting new and innovative patient treatments, but also demonstrates a real commitment to working hand in hand with our indigenous partners to ensure shared prosperity, for themselves, their families and their communities."

Bill Walker, Associate Energy Minister and MPP for Bruce-Grey-Huron, who attended the announcement, congratulated all involved for the innovative new partnership.

"Our government supports private sector action to create economic growth in Indigenous communities. This historic announcement between Bruce Power and the Saugeen Ojibway Nation to collaborate on Lu-177 production, a life-saving isotope for prostate cancer, will create opportunities for indigenous peoples in Bruce County and generate high-tech export sales to help Ontario businesses grow."

A joint Bruce Power and SON website has been launched to share more information on the partnership and on the project which can be found at fightingcancertogether.ca. 

About Bruce Power
Formed in 2001, Bruce Power is an electricity company based in Bruce County, Ontario. We are powered by our people. Our 4,200 employees are the foundation of our accomplishments and are proud of the role they play in safely delivering clean, reliable, low-cost nuclear power to families and businesses across the province. Bruce Power has worked hard to build strong roots in Ontario and is committed to protecting the environment and supporting the communities in which we live. Learn more at www.brucepower.com and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube.

SOURCE Bruce Power

Chief Medical Officer Responds Article: 
‘There's a Global Surgery Crisis and it Has an Obvious Solution’

Keir Thelander, Chief Medical Officer of the Pan African Academy of Christian Surgeons(PAACS), is available for comment and an interview to respond to the recent CNN ‘There's a Global Surgery Crisis and it Has an Obvious Solution’ which highlights the importance of finding solutions to bringing safe and affordable surgical and anesthesia care to the 5 billion people in the world who are without access. The article points out that that “robust untapped source of the potential surgical workforce: women.”

Thelander is available to speak to PAACS’ 23-year history of training male and female African physicians to become surgeons in their home countries, as well as the success PAACS has had with its female surgeon graduates.

Keir Thelander, Chief Medical Officer of the PAACS, a non-denominational, multinational service organization that trains African physicians to become surgeons, said:

“The emphasis on bringing more women into the fold of surgical training is one component of a larger and more comprehensive approach to improving the perception of a woman’s value within a culture. We must be very careful that we do not oversimplify the causes that have impacted the gender disparity in the medical field without addressing the larger discussion of cultural norms that contribute to the result.”

“PAACS’ will continue its 23-year history has been driven by the belief that education and engagement within the training of physicians in their home countries ​is ​the best way to serve a nation’s long term needs. To date, PAACS has issued 88 graduate certificates to African surgeons who have gone on to serve across twenty countries on the African continent. A little over 10% of our trainees are women — we would like to see that number increase. The balance of that is a greater impact of PAACS for the world.”

Keir Thelander, Chief Medical Officer of the PAACS, a non-denominational, multinational service organization that trains African physicians to become surgeons, said:

“The emphasis on bringing more women into the fold of surgical training is one component of a larger and more comprehensive approach to improving the perception of a woman’s value within a culture. We must be very careful that we do not oversimplify the causes that have impacted the gender disparity in the medical field without addressing the larger discussion of cultural norms that contribute to the result.”

“PAACS’ will continue its 23-year history that has been driven by the belief that education and engagement within the training of physicians in their home countries is the best way to serve a nation’s long term needs. To date, PAACS has issued 88 graduate certificates to African surgeons who have gone on to serve across twenty-one countries on the African continent. A little over 10% of our trainees are women — we would like to see that number increase and continue to implement strategies to achieve that goal. The balance of that is a greater impact of PAACS for the world.”

Keir is available for comment at your convenience.

Contact: Tamara@Tamaraedwards.co

About PAACS

The Pan-African Academy of Christian Surgeons (PAACS) is a strategic response to the need for surgeons in Africa. We are a non-denominational, multinational service organization training African physicians to become surgeons who are willing to remain in Africa to meet this need. PAACS also disciples these residents to share the love and gospel of Jesus Christ with their patients. The surgical and spiritual training of these residents is offered at several well-established mission hospitals in Africa, under the direction of experienced, board-certified missionary surgeons.

Avicanna Commences Trading on the TSX Under the Symbol "AVCN"

/NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO UNITED STATES NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES. ANY FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THIS RESTRICTION MAY CONSTITUTE A VIOLATION OF UNITED STATES SECURITIES LAWS/ 

TORONTO, July 18, 2019 /CNW/ - Avicanna Inc. ("Avicanna") a company focused on the development, manufacturing and commercialization of plant-derived cannabinoid-based products, is pleased to announce that its common shares commenced trading on the Toronto Stock Exchange (the "TSX") under the symbol "AVCN" at market open today, July 18, 2019. 

In connection with its first day of trading, Avicanna participated in market open ceremonies at the TSX. An archive of the ceremony will be made available at http://www.tsx.com/news/market-opens.

About Avicanna

Avicanna is an Ontario corporation focused on the development, manufacturing and commercialization of plant-derived cannabinoid-based products through its two main business segments, cultivation and research and development.

Avicanna's two majority-owned subsidiaries, Sativa Nativa S.A.S. and Santa Marta Golden Hemp S.A.S., both located in Santa Marta, Colombia are the base for Avicanna's cultivation activities. These two companies are licensed to cultivate and process cannabis for the production of cannabis extracts and purified cannabinoids including cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). 

Avicanna's research and development business is primarily conducted out of Canada at its headquarters in the Johnson & Johnson Innovation Centre, JLABS @ Toronto. Avicanna's scientific team develops products, and Avicanna has also engaged the services of researchers at the Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy at the University of Toronto for the purpose of optimizing and improving upon its products. 

Avicanna's research and development and cultivation activities are focused on the development of its key products, including plant-derived cannabinoid pharmaceuticals, phyto-therapeutics, derma-cosmetics and Extracts (defined as plant-derived cannabinoid extracts and purified cannabinoids, including distillates and isolates), with a goal of eventually having these products manufactured and distributed through various markets.

Stay Connected

SOURCE Avicanna Inc.

Anova Fertility & Reproductive Health adds Experienced Fertility Executive to the Board of Directors

TORONTO, July 16, 2019 /CNW Telbec/ - Anova Fertility & Reproductive Health Inc. ("Anova") is pleased to welcome William ("Bill") Hughson as Chair of the Anova Board of Directors.

Following Anova's recent partnership with Persistence Capital Partners ("PCP"), a private equity fund focused exclusively on investing in high-growth opportunities in Canadian healthcare, Anova is poised to execute on a number of strategic initiatives focused on increasing access for its clients through expansion and growth. These initiatives include opening new clinics, pursuing investment and partnership opportunities, creating a collaborative and 'cutting edge' environment for physicians and other healthcare practitioners, and investing in the best global technologies and techniques to help Canadians grow their families.

Founded by Dr. Marjorie Dixon, Chief Executive Officer, Anova boasts a state-of-the-art embryology laboratory and a clinic inspired by Dr. Dixon's desire to combine the best global technologies and techniques to elevate the patient experience, improve patient outcomes and humanize treatment in fertility care.

"At Anova we strive to elevate the patient experience by creating a supportive and caring environment," added Dr. Dixon. "As Anova expands operations we will benefit from Bill's deep experience supporting our science, patient care, and business strategy as we scale our organization, and I look forward to working closely with Bill as we implement the shared vison."

Adrianna Czornyj, Partner at PCP, said, "Bill has extensive experience leading growth strategies in the healthcare industry and has extensive knowledge and expertise in both the Canadian and US fertility space. Adding Bill to the Board as an independent director is part of accelerating Anova's strategic growth plans." 

"Anova is a leading provider of reproductive health services in Canada and abroad, using best-in-class techniques from around the world. Today, I am proud to join the Board of Directors and look forward to being a part of this amazing organization; helping Anova to achieve its objectives, but more importantly contributing to the growth of families with Anova's patient-centric fertility care," said Bill.

Mr. Hughson has extensive executive and healthcare experience, having most recently served as Chief Executive Officer of Blue Sky Vision ("BSV").  BSV is dedicated to providing world-class support to leading providers of eye care services. Prior to BSV, Bill served as President, Chief Executive Officer and Vice Chairman of IntegraMed Fertility, the largest network of fertility practices in North America.

About Anova Fertility & Reproductive Health Inc.

Anova Fertility & Reproductive Health Inc. opened in 2016 as a full-service fertility and IVF clinic. Anova is Canada's first next-generation embryology laboratory, and is the leader in innovation, education, and communication for high quality patient centric fertility and reproductive care. The team at Anova strives to set the international standard for successful reproductive health and fertility centres, committed to making the right to family accessible to everyone. Anova is known for their culture of support, effective processes and their holistic approach to patient care. For more information about Anova, please visit www.anovafertility.com.

About Persistence Capital Partners

Persistence Capital Partners is Canada's leading private equity fund exclusively focused on high-growth opportunities in the healthcare field. With deep healthcare industry expertise, PCP aims to create significant long-term capital appreciation for its investors by identifying and developing attractive investment opportunities in the Canadian healthcare market. PCP has offices in Montreal, Quebec, and Toronto, Ontario. For more information about Persistence Capital Partners, please visit www.persistencecapital.com.

SOURCE Persistence Capital Partners

Avicanna Announces TSX Listing Date

/NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO UNITED STATES NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES. ANY FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THIS RESTRICTION MAY CONSTITUTE A VIOLATION OF UNITED STATES SECURITIES LAWS/ 

TORONTO, July 16, 2019 /CNW/ - Avicanna Inc. ("Avicanna" or the "Company") a company focused on the development, manufacturing, and commercialization of plant-derived cannabinoid-based products, is pleased to announce that its common shares ("Common Shares") are expected to commence trading on the Toronto Stock Exchange (the "TSX") on Thursday, July 18, 2019 under the symbol "AVCN". The listing represents the first direct listing on the TSX by a company with Colombian-based cannabis cultivation assets. In connection with its first day of trading, Avicanna will be participating in market open ceremonies at the TSX, which will be broadcast live on the Business News Network morning show and live streamed on YouTube. 

In connection with listing on the TSX, shareholders holding an aggregate of 10,523,077 Common Shares have entered into lock-up agreements pursuant to which they have agreed not to sell, transfer or pledge any securities of the Company for a period of 39 months following the listing date where 10% of such securities will be released on the date that is three months following the listing date with the remaining securities released in six equal tranches of 15% every six months following the first release. In addition, shareholders holding an aggregate of 1,495,022 Common Shares have entered into lock-up agreements pursuant to which each such shareholder has agreed not to sell, transfer or pledge any securities of the Company held by such shareholder, for a period of 4 months following the listing date where 20% of such securities will be released immediately prior to the listing date with the remaining securities released in four equal tranches of 20% every month thereafter.

A copy of the Company's final long-form prospectus is available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.

About Avicanna

Avicanna is an Ontario corporation focused on the development, manufacturing, and commercialization of plant-derived cannabinoid-based products through its two main business segments: (i) cultivation and (ii) research and development. The Company's business is focused on the development, manufacturing, and commercialization of key products, including plant-derived cannabinoid pharmaceuticals, phyto-therapeutics, derma-cosmetics and extracts (defined as plant-derived cannabinoid extracts and purified cannabinoids, including distillates and isolates).

Research and Development Activities

Avicanna's research and development is headquartered in the Johnson & Johnson Innovation Centre, JLABS @ Toronto. The Company is focused on commencing and completing clinical trials for its pharmaceutical products, completing testing to support its phyto-therapeutic products under the Pura Elements™ brand, commencing the manufacture and distribution of its derma-cosmetic products under the Pura Earth™ brand, and commencing clinical trials on three of its derma-cosmetic products to demonstrate their effectiveness with specific cosmetic endpoints, such as reduction of fine lines or increased skin moisture levels. 

In connection with its research and development activities, Avicanna has a team of more than 20 scientists and clinicians working out of four laboratories including: (i) the University of Toronto Faculty of Pharmacy; (ii) JLABS @ Toronto which is located in the MaRS Discovery District; (iii) the facilities of the Company's subsidiaries in Santa Marta, Colombia; and (iv) the facilities of Avicanna's manufacturing partner, Altea Farmaceutica S.A. ("Altea"). Through its various operations, Avicanna's team of scientists and clinicians are enhancing product optimization through the completion of animal pharmacokinetics and toxicology studies and pre-clinical studies, including both in vitro and in vivo studies to demonstrate the safety and efficacy of Avicanna's product offering. 

Avicanna currently has the following clinical trials in progress or planned for the near future:

• CAIMED (Centro de Atencion e Investigacion Medica CAIMED S.A.S.). Phase I studies are expected to commence in the second half of 2019 with CAIMED for certain cosmetic trials.
  
  
• University of West Indies. Avicanna is currently conducting a prevalence study through UWI to determine the prevalence of neuropathic pain in a random sample of 500 to 600 patients suffering from Sickle Cell disease.
  
  
• SickKids. Avicanna has received ethics approval to conduct a clinical study with the Hospital for Sick Children to explore safety, tolerability and efficacy of CBD on patients with dermatological indication. Avicanna has completed animal pharmacokinetics and toxicology studies and a clinical trial application is in progress and expected to be submitted before the end of July 2019.
  
  
• Pending Approval. Avicanna also has pending pharmaceutical and phyto-therapeutic trials that are currently in protocol development and are being submitted for ethics approval. Such products are aimed at addressing neuropathic pain, chronic pain, and Eczema.

Cultivation and Supply Chain

Avicanna's cultivation activities are conducted by its two majority-owned subsidiaries, Sativa Nativa S.A.S. ("Sativa Nativa") and Santa Marta Golden Hemp S.A.S. ("SMGH"), both located in Santa Marta, Colombia in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. The location offers 12 hours of daily sunlight year-round, while the tropical weather of Santa Marta and microclimate of the Sierra Nevada Mountains provide optimal conditions to maximize the number and amount of harvests. Access to cost efficient energy sources and construction labour allow for affordable expansion and production. Both companies also have easy access to the local Santa Marta shipping port that is expected to provide low cost shipping for export.  

Sativa Nativa and SMGH are focused on commercial cannabis and are licensed to cultivate and process cannabis for the production of cannabis extracts and purified cannabinoids including cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). SMGH has 200,000 square feet of shadehouse plus 20,000 square feet of customized greenhouse space and construction is currently underway for an additional 70,000 square feet of shadehouse and the related infrastructure. Thus far, SMGH has achieved genetic registration of one non-psychoactive strain (CBD) and three psychoactive strains (THC) and is currently cultivating its registered non-psychoactive genetics while it seeks to obtain quotas for its psychoactive genetics. SMGH currently has an inventory of approximately 1.3 tonnes of flower of its registered non-psychoactive genetic. SMGH has applied for good agricultural practices ("GACP") and organic certifications and the preliminary site visits for them have been completed. SMGH expects to receive the certifications before the end of 2019. Sativa Nativa currently has 50,000 square feet of shadehouse plus 20,000 square feet of customized greenhouse space and construction is currently underway for an additional 50,000 square feet of shadehouse. Sativa Nativa does not currently have any registered genetics under cultivation, however, it is currently cultivating for the purposes of genetic registration.

Extraction and Manufacturing

In October, Avicanna completed the technical transfer of its extraction and isolation techniques to SMGH. SMGH intends to utilize Avicanna's techniques in its extraction lab, which is currently capable of processing 300 kg of bio-mass per day, resulting in production capacity of 45kg of resin per day. The SMGH laboratory is capable of extraction, distillation, and isolation of cannabinoids in addition to analytical testing and quality control. Avicanna intends to utilize the isolates produced at the SMGH facility from SMGH's registered non-psychoactive cannabis genetic in its derma-cosmetic products marketed under the Pura Earth™ brand.

Avicanna has entered into a manufacturing agreement with Altea, pursuant to which Altea will be the exclusive manufacturer of Avicanna products in Colombia. Under the agreement, Altea has committed to manufacture products containing cannabinoids exclusively for Avicanna, subject to certain minimum order quantities purchased from Altea on an annual basis. Altea's facility maintains a number of requisite approvals that will allow Avicanna to ensure its pharmaceutical, phyto-therapeutic and derma-cosmetic products comply with a high standard of quality, including INVIMA for Good Laboratory Practices (Colombia), Bureau Veritas for ISO 14001 environmental management system for Good Manufacturing Practices (Australia), ANVISA for Good Manufacturing Practices (Brazil), and Health Canada for Good Manufacturing Practices (Canada).

Avicanna's Products

Derma-Cosmetics

Avicanna intends to distribute its line of derma-cosmetic products under the Pura Earth™ brand. Avicanna's CBD based derma-cosmetic products are formulated to maintain and improve the health and beauty of the skin through high-end cosmetic formulations supported by research data. Avicanna has completed the technical transfer of all derma-cosmetic products to be manufactured by Altea both for testing and commercial scale production purposes. Avicanna has entered into an agreement with Percos S.A. ("Percos") pursuant to which it has appointed Percos as the exclusive distributor of Pura Earth™ derma-cosmetics products in Colombia, subject to certain minimum sales volumes and the Company anticipates that its Pura Earth™ derma-cosmetics products will be on the market before the end of 2019. In addition, Avicanna has contracted CAIMED to conduct clinical studies on three of its derma-cosmetics products to demonstrate their effectiveness with specific cosmetic endpoints, such as reduction of fine lines or efficacy as moisturizer for acne and eczema prone skin.

Phyto-Therapeutics

Avicanna intends to distribute its line of phyto-therapeutic products under the Pura Elements™ brand. Avicanna's phyto-therapeutic products consist of cannabis plant extracts designed for medical or homeopathic use, but are not pharmaceuticals or drugs. These phyto-therapeutic products will be manufactured by Altea under Avicanna's current agreement with Altea. Avicanna has completed the technical transfer of its phyto-therapeutic products to Altea both for testing and commercial scale production purposes. There are a wide range of targeted delivery mechanisms for these products including tablets, sublingual sprays, oil drops, capsules, patches, creams and gels, which will be supported by bioavailability and pharmacokinetic data. It is expected that Altea will manufacture Avicanna's phyto-therapeutic products, ranging from isolated CBD formulations to CBD-THC whole plant extracts, using cannabis sourced from SMGH and Sativa Nativa. These products will be manufactured under the various approvals and certifications maintained by Altea and will use USP-NF (pharmaceutical-grade) ingredients. Avicanna is currently preparing for commercial launch of its phyto-therapeutic products, initially expected to occur through pharmacies in Colombia, and expects to begin bringing these products to market in 2020.

Pharmaceuticals

Avicanna's initial pipeline of pharmaceutical products will address neurology, dermatology, and pain. Avicanna's pharmaceutical products will be manufactured, first, in test batches for use in its clinical trials, and then, provided the products successfully complete the process, for distribution to end users by Altea. Avicanna is currently conducting product optimization for dosage and form of delivery through its research and development department and in collaboration with the University of Toronto. These products are expected to eventually be commercialized as over-the-counter medicines and prescription drugs.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information and Statements

This press release contains certain "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation and may also contain statements that may constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking information and forward-looking statements are not representative of historical facts or information or current condition, but instead represent only Avicanna's beliefs regarding future events, plans or objectives, many of which, by their nature, are inherently uncertain and outside of Avicanna's control. Generally, such forward-looking information or forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "plans", "expects" or "does not expect", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", or "believes", or variations of such words and phrases or may contain statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will be taken", "will continue", "will occur" or "will be achieved". The forward-looking information and forward-looking statements contained herein may include, but is not limited to, the expected initial listing date, information concerning the planned capacities of the SMGH and Sativa Nativa facilities, the expected timing of GACP and organic certifications, the use of the Company's extraction techniques and cannabis genetics by SMGH and Sativa Nativa, the brands under which the Company's derma-cosmetic and phyto-therapeutic products will be marketed and distributed, the timing of the distribution of the Company's derma-cosmetic and phyto-therapeutic products, the goal of the Company's initial clinical studies, the expected timing of the Company's initial clinical studies, the manufacturer of the Company's products, the ingredients to be used in the Company's final products, the approvals to be maintained by Altea and the expected designations of the Company's pharmaceutical products.

By identifying such information and statements in this manner, Avicanna is alerting the reader that such information and statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of Avicanna to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such information and statements. In addition, in connection with the forward-looking information and forward-looking statements contained in this press release, Avicanna has made certain assumptions.

Among others, the key factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking information and statements are the following: delays in obtaining the necessary approvals from the TSX; delays in opening new cultivation and manufacturing facilities; higher than expected costs to construct and operate cultivation and manufacturing facilities; adverse changes in the public perception of cannabis; changes in consumer demand for cannabis; decreases in the prevailing prices for cannabis and cannabis products in the markets in which the Company operates; adverse changes in applicable laws; adverse changes in the application or enforcement of current laws, including those related to taxation; increasing costs of compliance with extensive government regulation; changes in general economic, business and political conditions, including changes in the financial markets and in particular in the ability of the Company to raise debt and equity capital in the amounts and at the costs that it expects; risks related to licensing, including the ability to obtain the requisite licenses or renew existing licenses for the Company's proposed operations; dependence upon third party service providers, skilled labor and other key inputs; risks inherent in the agricultural and retail business; intellectual property risks; risks related to litigation; dependence upon senior management; and the other risks disclosed in the Company's long form final prospectus dated July 8, 2019. Should one or more of these risks, uncertainties or other factors materialize, or should assumptions underlying the forward-looking information or statements prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described herein as intended, planned, anticipated, believed, estimated or expected.

Although Avicanna believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing, and the expectations contained in, the forward-looking information and statements are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on such information and statements, and no assurance or guarantee can be given that such forward-looking information and statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such information and statements. Key assumptions used herein are that there will not be any unexpected costs or delays in the completion of the facilities at Sativa Nativa and SMGH, SMGH will be able to harvest sufficient product to meet the needs of the Company, SMGH will be able to maintain high quality extracts, there will not be any delay in obtaining GACP or organic certifications, the Company will be able to market its phyto-therapeutics and derma-cosmetics under the Pura Elements™ and Pura Earth™ brands, there will be no unexpected delays or costs in obtaining the necessary ethics or trial approvals for the commencement of clinical trials, Altea will use agreed upon ingredients in the manufacture of the Company's products and will maintain the necessary approvals and standards to meet the Company's quality objectives, initial clinical studies will provide results in line with management's current expectations and there will not be significant changes to the regulatory landscape that would prevent the Company from manufacturing and distributing its products pursuant to management's current plan. The forward-looking information and forward-looking statements contained in this press release are made as of the date of this press release, and Avicanna does not undertake to update any forward-looking information and/or forward-looking statements that are contained or referenced herein, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. All subsequent written and oral forward-looking information and statements attributable to Avicanna or persons acting on its behalf is expressly qualified in its entirety by this notice.

SOURCE Avicanna Inc.

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