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Oxford Cannabinoid Technologies (“OCT”), a biotechnology firm researching the potential of cannabinoid-based medications, announces today it has closed a Series A funding round. Investment was secured from Casa Verde Capital, Imperial Brands Ventures Ltd, and other Family Offices and Institutions.

The capital raised will be used to establish a strategic research partnership and laboratory in Europe. This will support OCT’s research into the mechanisms of cannabinoids in order to develop treatments that improve the quality of life for millions of patients around the world. Institutional involvement in OCT adds further impetus and credibility to the rapidly maturing global cannabis market.

Although there have been few clinical trials, cannabis has demonstrated efficacy in treating a multitude of conditions. However, more data is needed to uncover its full medicinal benefits. Beginning in early 2018, OCT has identified and prioritised several cannabinoid research proposals based on their clinical potential. With indications ranging from pain and inflammation to cancer and neurological disorders, OCT has commissioned research in many critical areas.  

“The therapeutic benefits of cannabis are vast, and OCT is the perfect partner to explore this within the growing biotech and pharmaceutical spaces,” said Karan Wadhera, the Managing Partner at Casa Verde Capital, the leading venture capital firm in the cannabis industry. “We’re inspired by OCT’s work and are excited to help fund research that could change countless lives.” 

Kingsley Capital Partners (“KCP”) remains the largest shareholder in the business. Managing Partner of KCP and Chairman of OCT, Neil Mahapatra, said: “At a time when medical cannabis markets are opening across the world, it is still surprising how little focus appears to be dedicated to understanding the underlying molecular actions of cannabinoids. We want to help fill this knowledge gap, ultimately developing medical products that could help a large number of people.”

Matthew Phillips, Chief Development Officer, Imperial Brands PLC said: “We are pleased to be partnering with OCT. Cannabinoid products have significant potential and our investment enables Imperial to support OCT’s important research while building a deeper understanding of the  medical cannabis market..”

In addition to the latest round of funding, OCT announces a new, highly experienced and diverse global management team:

  • Dr John Lucas (Chief Commercial Officer): a pharmaceutical executive with over 20 years of experience, John previously held executive level management positions, including Chief Executive Officer (Cizzle Biotechnology), General Counsel (Silence Therapeutics) and Vice President, Intellectual Property (Ilika plc, Metabasis Therapeutics, and Transform Pharmaceuticals), with further experience at the National Cancer Institute and Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma. John has also run his own consulting business where he assisted clients with business and legal/patent matters in biotech-pharma. His experience includes deal-making, corporate and product strategy, operations, and law/patents. John has a wide range of subject matter experience including small molecule pharmaceuticals (including cannabinoids), RNA therapy, biologics, and diagnostics. John holds a law degree (JD) from George Washington University and a doctorate in molecular genetics from The Ohio State University. He also holds a Master’s degree in microbiology and an undergraduate degree in biology from Ohio University.
  • Dr Jutta Roth (Chief Scientific Officer): with over fifteen years’ experience, Dr Roth previously served as Head of Strategic Development for Barts and The London School of Medicine and as Director of Partnerships for the Centre for Population Genomic Medicine in London. A published academic researcher, Jutta holds a PhD in Genetics with Distinction and an MSc in Microbiology from the University of Salzburg, with later research fellowships at Yale University and the UK National Institute for Medical Research. 
  • Gavin Sathianathan (Non-Executive Director) CEO of Forma Holdings, engaging businesses in legal medical cannabis markets worldwide.
  • Hee-Dong Kim (Non-Executive Director) Co-Founder and Managing Partner at Kingsley Capital Partners.
Date posted: 28 June 2018
Article tag: Oxford Cannabinoid Technologies

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