Kingsley Capital Partners (“Kingsley”) today announces the launch of Oxford Cannabinoid Technologies (“OCT”), a UK biopharmaceutical business that will aim to address largely unmet medical needs in oncology, pain, immunology and neurology through cannabinoid-based prescription medication, giving the UK a global leadership role in this fast-growing field.

Through an initial investment of up to £10 million provided by Kingsley through OCT, researchers at the University of Oxford will begin a pioneering research programme to investigate the role of cannabinoids in biology and medicine. The programme combines Oxford’s world leading research and clinical expertise with Kingsley’s network and financial support, and will develop results into innovative therapies designed to help improve the quality of life of millions of patients. Over time, OCT will fund additional cannabinoid research programmes across different therapeutic areas.

OCT will seek to build an IP library, through creating a number of novel cannabinoid compounds. Kingsley has been responsible for incubating OCT, recruiting its management team, and will support the company on strategic initiatives and in fundraising activities. Kingsley remains the only investment firm based in Europe to have made a concerted push into investing in the global legalised cannabis market.

Ahmed Ahmed, Professor of Gynaecological Oncology at Oxford, said: “Cannabinoid research has started to produce exciting biological discoveries and this research programme is a timely opportunity to increase our understanding of the role of cannabinoids in health and disease. This field holds great promise for developing novel therapeutic opportunities for cancer patients”. 

Associate Professor in Clinical Neurosciences, Zameel Cader said: “Endocannabinoid signalling is increasingly recognised as fundamentally important in the development and function of the nervous system. This exciting programme of work has the potential to lead to the development of novel therapies for neurological disorders.’

Neil Mahapatra, Managing Partner of Kingsley, said: “Medical cannabis and cannabinoid medicine is already helping patients with some of the most distressing conditions across the world. However, research into the specific pathways and mechanisms that create this benefit is limited and long overdue. Through OCT, we hope our strategic partnership with Oxford will support the development of innovative new therapies to help millions of people around the world.”