Optimi Health and Kwantlen Polytechnic University Applied Genomics Centre Partner to Advance Mushroom Science and Research
April 23 2024 - 8:18AM
Optimi Health Corp. (CSE: OPTI) (OTCQX: OPTHF) (FRA: 8BN), a
leading Health Canada licensed psychedelics pharmaceutical
manufacturer, is thrilled to announce an innovative research and
development partnership with the Kwantlen Polytechnic University
Applied Genomics Centre (KPU-AGC). The project, entitled, “Genetic
Identification of Psilocybin Containing Mushroom,” will utilize
KPU-AGC’s state-of-the-art genomics technology to unravel the
intricate genetic makeup of Optimi’s psilocybin-containing
mushrooms, potentially paving the way for unprecedented
advancements in the field of Psilocybin genetics.
Optimi boasts an extensive genetic bank of over
200 psilocybin-containing mushroom strains, making it among the
largest globally. The Company aims to produce mushrooms rich in
psilocybin and other related tryptamine alkaloids.
Dr. Preston A. Chase, Chief Science Officer at
Optimi, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership and its potential
impact on mushroom science and research. "The Kwantlen Polytechnic
University Applied Genomics Centre brings a wealth of experience
and expertise in genomics research, making it an ideal partner for
Optimi’s innovative initiatives in mushroom science,” he added.
Optimi Head of Mycology and Cultivation, Scott
Marshall, added, “This work will be exceptionally valuable for
establishing a baseline of the genetic identity of the various
species of psilocybin-containing mushrooms being cultivated at
Optimi now and in the future. This knowledge will help to deliver
batch-to-batch consistency, an important development in the
production of drug candidates containing natural psilocybin.”
Through the partnership, Optimi seeks to enhance
its DNA characterization abilities, enabling precise species and
strain-level identification of mushroom genetics for potential use
in clinical trials and authorized medicinal activities. Objectives
of the project include:
- DNA mushroom
extraction: the AGC will first extract DNA from 20
mushrooms of the Psilocybe and Panaeolus species cultivated from
Optimi’s genetics laboratory, using the cetyltrimethylammonium
bromide (CTAB) method.
- Species Identification by
interspaced transcribed spacer (ITS) Sequencing: extracted
DNA from the 20 selected samples will undergo ITS sequencing to
create a genotyping protocol for species identification.
- Strain-level ID by SNPs
derived from ddRAD-sequencing: the development of a novel
method for strain-level identification, making this the first study
that will provide single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) data for
Psilocybe and Panaeolus strains.
KPU Bio-Innovation Lab director, Dr. Paul Adams,
commented, “The advanced genetic tools and expertise of the Applied
Genomics Centre at KPU continue to produce valuable results for
industry. Working with Health Canada licensed partners such as
Optimi Health, we are able to ensure our partners achieve
consistency for their products and achieve the best results for
their research.”
Optimi and the KPU-AGC are committed to
collaboration and innovation in the pursuit of advancing Health
Canada approved psychedelic research.
For media inquiries, please contact Michael Kydd:
michaelk@optimihealth.ca902.880.6121
For investor inquiries, please contact:
investors@optimihealth.ca
www.optimihealth.ca
ABOUT OPTIMI (CSE: OPTI) (OTCQX: OPTHF)
(FRA: 8BN):
Optimi Health Corp. is a leading Health Canada
licensed psychedelics pharmaceutical manufacturer, specializing in
controlled substances such as natural psilocybin and MDMA, as well
as functional mushrooms that focus on the health and wellness
markets. Built with the purpose of producing scalable psychedelic
formulations for transformational human experiences, the Company’s
goal is to be the number one trusted, compassionate supplier of
safe drug candidates throughout the world. Optimi’s products are
grown and manufactured at its two facilities comprising a total of
20,000 square feet in Princeton, British Columbia.
ABOUT KWANTLEN POLYTECHNIC
UNIVERSITY
https://www.kpu.ca/about
FORWARD‐LOOKING
STATEMENTS:
This news release contains forward-looking
statements and forward-looking information within the meaning of
Canadian securities legislation (collectively, “forward-looking
statements”) that relate to Optimi’s current expectations and views
of future events. Any statements that express, or involve
discussions as to, expectations, beliefs, plans, objectives,
assumptions or future events or performance (often, but not always,
through the use of words or phrases such as “will likely result,”
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are not historical facts and may be forward-looking statements and
may involve estimates, assumptions and uncertainties which could
cause actual results or outcomes to differ materially from those
expressed in such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking
statements made in this news release include the proposed use of
the proceeds of the Offering. No assurance can be given that these
expectations will prove to be correct and such forward-looking
statements included in this news release should not be unduly
relied upon. These statements speak only as of the date of this
news release.
Forward-looking statements are based on a number
of assumptions and are subject to a number of risks and
uncertainties, many of which are beyond Optimi’s control, which
could cause actual results and events to differ materially from
those that are disclosed in or implied by such forward-looking
statements. Optimi undertakes no obligation to update or revise any
forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information,
future events or otherwise, except as may be required by law. New
factors emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for Optimi
to predict all of them or assess the impact of each such factor or
the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may
cause results to differ materially from those contained in any
forward-looking statement. Any forward-looking statements contained
in this news release are expressly qualified in their entirety by
this cautionary statement.
Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor the
Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada accepts
responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
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