Andrew Forrest’s family investment arm Tattarang has put $5 million behind a Perth company in the medicinal cannabis industry.Credit:Dominic Lorrimer
Emyria was listed on the ASX last year,just before Australia was plunged into the global COVID-19 pandemic,and has been progressing with trials of a synthetic cannabinoid targeting mental health which it hopes to have registered domestically and in the American market.
The small company has seven patient-treating clinics around Australia which it uses to progress the development and registration of new drugs.
Emyria managing director Michael Winlo said the company has treated more than 5000 people through its cannabinoid program and was preparing for an MDMA trial next year to help treat post-traumatic stress disorder.
Dr Winlo said the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) was set to make a decision next month on whether MDMA would be reclassified from a schedule nine drug – which are prohibited substances – down to a controlled drug as a schedule eight.
“In light of the evidence and the growing recognition of major mental health disorders and the need for more treatment options. I think there will be a very persuasive argument in front of the TGA,” he said.
Dr Winlo said a MDMA clinical trial would be able to go ahead regardless of the TGA’s decision.
Tattarang chief investment officer John Hartman said the investment by Emyria into “industry-leading” data collection would allow it to innovate faster than other companies and bring online new treatments quickly and cost-effectively.