The Company's patented technology
expected to be key to commercial success in cannabinoid
biosynthesis
NASDAQ | TSX: ACB
EDMONTON, AB, May 27, 2021 /PRNewswire/ - Aurora Cannabis Inc.
(NASDAQ: ACB) (TSX: ACB), the Canadian company defining the
future of cannabinoids worldwide, announced today the launch of a
dedicated Science & Innovation business group, with the aim of
commercializing patented and patent pending technology that the
Company believes will be key in the development of cannabinoid
biosynthesis and plant genetics.
Aurora's connection to the biosynthetic production of
cannabinoids originated with early work carried out by the
Company's former Chief Science Officer on the discovery of key
genes within the cannabinoid biosynthesis pathway. Through
licensing agreements, Aurora and sub-licensee 22nd Century Group
together share the global IP rights to commercialize key aspects of
cannabinoid biosynthesis in plants and microorganisms. The two
companies are working closely to enforce their IP against
infringing parties, as well as to actively explore commercial
development opportunities.
"As global cannabis regulations evolve, we believe cannabinoid
molecules, including minor cannabinoids, will be incredibly
important. Today, Aurora's Reliva business in the U.S. sells
products that use CBD isolate, and we are deeply interested in the
evolution of other cannabinoids and the ability to commercialize
them," says Miguel Martin, CEO of
Aurora Cannabis. "This technology promises to be very
valuable, as it potentially unlocks a more efficient means to
produce cannabinoids at scale, particularly minor cannabinoids
which typically occur in the plant at very low levels, less than
1%. We've created a separate Science & Innovation business to
capitalize on the tremendous potential we see in this emerging
space."
Currently, the Company is exploring ways to optimize the
cannabinoid biosynthesis pathway within the plant itself using its
IP. Aurora and 22nd Century Group intend to
leverage Aurora's best-in-class research facility, Aurora Coast in British Columbia, where advanced breeding and
genetics technologies, coupled with sensory and consumer research,
are used to create new and differentiated cultivars for consumers
and patients. The research facility screens thousands of unique
cultivars every year to deliver a handful of elite candidates. New
cultivars from its breeding program are currently with leading
licenced producers, both large scale and craft, for trials and
production.
"At Aurora, innovation is integral to every aspect of our
company," said Charles Pick, Senior
Vice President of Science & Innovation at Aurora Cannabis.
"With the formalization of a Science & Innovation business
unit, we anticipate being in a position to quickly bring a wide
array of products to the market, to meet the diverse consumer and
patient needs we are seeing globally."
About Aurora
Aurora is a global leader in the cannabis industry serving both
the medical and consumer markets. Headquartered in Edmonton, Alberta, Aurora is a pioneer in
global cannabis dedicated to helping people improve their lives.
The Company's brand portfolio includes Aurora, Aurora Drift, San
Rafael '71, Daily Special, AltaVie, MedReleaf, CanniMed, Whistler,
and Reliva CBD. Providing customers with innovative, high-quality
cannabis products, Aurora's brands continue to break through as
industry leaders in the medical, performance, wellness and
recreational markets wherever they are launched. For more
information, please visit our website at www.auroramj.com.
Aurora's common shares trade on the TSX and NASDAQ under the
symbol "ACB" and is a constituent of the S&P/TSX Composite
Index.
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SOURCE Aurora Cannabis Inc.