XPhyto Therapeutics Acquires German Narcotic Drug Manufacturer Vektor Pharma to Advance Innovative Controlled-Release Film-Based Drug Delivery Systems

On September 4, 2019, VCBeat (WeChat ID: vcbeat) learned from foreign media sources that cannabis company XPhyto Therapeutics (XPhyto) announced the acquisition of German narcotic drug manufacturer Vektor Pharma (Vektor). The transaction is expected to be completed in mid-September, with specific financial details yet to be disclosed.

In addition, XPhyto has entered into equipment procurement agreements with its partner companies to purchase relevant manufacturing equipment for the development of novel sustained- and controlled-release film-based drug delivery systems.

Vektor, established in 2009 and headquartered in Germany, is a manufacturer of narcotic drugs. The company primarily produces anesthetic agents and develops innovative drug delivery technologies. Currently, Vektor holds production and sales licenses for various narcotic drugs, including buprenorphine, cannabis, fentanyl, and hydromorphone. Its cannabis-related prescription medications have been certified in compliance with EU GMP and other regulatory requirements.

Vektor boasts an experienced medical technology team dedicated to the design and development of transdermal therapeutic systems (TTS) and sublingual drug delivery technologies.

Transdermal Therapeutic Systems (TTS) are a class of controlled-release membrane formulations that exert systemic therapeutic effects via transdermal administration, with pharmacological efficacy lasting from 1 to 7 days. During this period, the system ensures the continuous release of the drug through the skin into the bloodstream. TTS is a parenteral route of administration that avoids the gastrointestinal impact associated with oral dosing and mitigates the hepatic "first-pass effect."

Vektor combines its cannabinoid-based therapeutics with sublingual delivery technology to develop innovative cannabis-derived medications. These agents exert their effects through contact with the oral mucosa. Sublingual administration bypasses the gastrointestinal tract, resulting in superior drug absorption and offering a portable, convenient dosage form.

In addition, Vektor is developing orally disintegrating film formulations. Orally disintegrating films are bioadhesive membranes that rapidly release medication within the oral cavity. These formulations offer convenient administration, high mechanical strength, rapid disintegration, and a low risk of choking, making them significantly superior to conventional orally disintegrating tablets. Orally disintegrating film formulations can be used for treating colds, vitamin supplementation, and other indications, demonstrating broad potential for development and application.

XPhyto, founded in 2017 and headquartered in Vancouver, Canada, is a clinical-stage cannabis company. Leveraging innovative technologies, the company primarily focuses on the clinical development and trials of pharmaceutical formulations, while expanding into the European pharmaceutical market. Currently, XPhyto is engaged in the cultivation, processing, manufacturing, and distribution of cannabis in Germany to broaden its product market presence.

XPhyto’s wholly-owned subsidiary, Bunker Pfranzenkatekte, has obtained a license for the cultivation and extraction of cannabis issued by the German Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices (BfArM).

“XPhyto CEO Hugh Rogers stated, ‘We are building a next-generation cannabis company focused on developing medical formulations and conducting clinical validation of drugs. Vektor will continuously enhance its pharmaceutical manufacturing capabilities and leverage its clinical trial expertise to develop more innovative medicines, thereby driving the company’s growth.’”

(Compiled by Xu Xiaoxue)