Study with G420, US-Based AKESOgen aimed at producing genetic tools for improved medical cannabis therapy

TORONTO, Oct. 30, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Aleafia Labs, a division of Aleafia Health Inc. (TSXV: ALEF: OTCQX: ALEAF, FRA: ARAH) (“Aleafia“) and Guided 420 Genetics Inc. (“G420”) with U.S.-based AKESOgen, Inc., (“AKESOgen”), together the (“Parties”), are announcing the commencement of a joint study (“the Study”) on cannabinoid pharmacogenetics in medical cannabis therapy. The initial 200 patient study will focus on developing medical cannabis patient genetic screening tools in the areas of THC-CBD sensitivity and metabolism, Endocannabinoid Deficiency Syndrome and cannabis treatment safety and adverse event risk.

This initiative will be funded by G420 and will be administered by Aleafia physicians practicing within the Canabo Medical Clinic network. The Study is expected to generate unique intellectual property assets that can be used towards proprietary product development and tools to improve medical cannabis treatment of major illnesses. It is expected that this study will lead to additional clinical investigations and larger retrospective cohort studies as well as prospective clinical trials based on the indications generated.

“Aleafia is pleased to partner with G420/AKESOgen in a first of its kind cannabis related pharmacogenomics study,” said Aleafia President of Clinic Operations, Dr. Gary Goodyear. “Aleafia’s unique medical cannabis clinic business perfectly complements a robust clinical research strategy that should yield benefits to patients through the form of improved treatment methods and product development.”

“Utilizing pharmacogenetics to better manage safety and efficacy for the administration of medical cannabis in a precise manner is a large unmet need in a fast-growing industry,” added Dr. Mark Bouzyk, AKESOgen’s Chief Scientific Officer. “The combination of G420/AKESOgen’s resources and expertise in genetic analysis and genomic study management combined with Aleafia’s leading clinical footprint in Canada’s medical cannabis sector has very exciting potential for new knowledge and therapy applications in this rapidly developing field.”

“Effective genetic screening tools have the potential to dramatically improve patient outcomes through more accurate dosing and treatment targeting,” said Aleafia Chief Medical Officer Dr. Michael Verbora. “This includes application in opioid replacement therapy and chronic illness treatment such as those currently used for cancer.”

For Investor & Media Relations, please contact:

Nicholas Bergamini, VP Public Affairs

IR@AleafiaInc.com

About Aleafia Labs:

Aleafia Labs, a division of Aleafia Health Inc. oversees research & development of unique, proprietary intellectual property and products in the cannabis field, with a focus on medical cannabis treatment and cultivation. Aleafia is uniquely differentiated as a medical cannabis company as the interaction between the business and patient does not end at the point of sale. Canabo physicians diagnose, treat and track patients throughout the entire treatment cycle, a process which has led to the Company amassing what the company believes is the largest medical cannabis data set in the world.

About G420:

G420 is a company whose mission is to develop unique pharmacogenetics products in rapidly emerging personal health application markets. Pharmacogenetics is a key component in the growing trend towards more personalized medicine where individual genetics play a greater role in establishing drug treatments and therapies. G420’s partner is U.S.-based AKESOgen, a leading genomics analysis and genetic clinical trial company. AKESOgen maintains a state of the art CLIA compliant and CAP accredited laboratory with extensive experience managing and processing large scale DNA test programs in the U.S. and internationally.

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