VANCOUVER, BC – July 23, 2024 – Optimi Health Corp. (CSE: OPTI) (OTCQX: OPTHF) (FRA: 8BN) (“Optimi”or the “Company”), a GMP-approved, Health Canada licensed psychedelics pharmaceutical manufacturer specializing in botanical psilocybin and MDMA, is pleased to announce a strategic supply partnership and Letter of Intent with PsiloThai, a leading patient advocacy group registered in Thailand. This agreement marks a significant milestone as Optimi becomes the first psychedelics manufacturer to seek approval for its products to enter the Asian medical market for use in observational studies in patients with addiction and end-of-life distress.
This significant step follows Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health’s recent regulatory change to permit psilocybin for medical treatment, research, and clinical trials. Permission for the use of the two Category 5 drugs was announced in a directive published earlier this year. The directive, referring to psilocybin mushrooms and signed by Public Health Minister Cholnan Srikaew, took effect on April 26, 2024.
Bill Ciprick, CEO of Optimi, expressed enthusiasm about this new venture: “Optimi is excited to validate our GMP natural psilocybin extract capsules further with the support of PsiloThai. This partnership not only opens new avenues for research but also strengthens our commitment to advancing mental health treatments around the world. We are honored to be embarking on this first-of-its-kind journey in Thailand.”
Charlie Solares, Founder of PsiloThai, commented, “This collaboration with Optimi provides a unique opportunity to explore the therapeutic potential of psilocybin in treating complex conditions such as addiction and end-of-life distress. We are optimistic about the positive outcomes these studies can yield. Partnering directly with a Health Canada licensed entity like Optimi allows us to leverage their expertise in cultivation, compliance, and GMP drug manufacturing to ensure the highest quality and standards for our patients.”
The observational studies will help patients currently in hospital care and will be conducted in conjunction with Government Hospitals and Rajamangala University. Optimi will work closely with PsiloThai to secure the necessary import certificates to fulfill the supply requirements in the coming months, with the studies officially commencing upon formal approval from Thai Health Authorities.
The Company also announces it has engaged Fairfax Partners Inc. (“Fairfax”), an arm’s length party, to provide social media marketing. The initial term is for three months for a fee of $43,900, with an option to continue month to month at a rate of $13,000. To the knowledge of the Company, Fairfax does not currently hold a security position in Optimi.
Key Benefits and Impact:
- Enhanced Research Opportunities: The partnership with PsiloThai allows Optimi to tap into the extensive research capabilities of Thai academic institutions, healthcare facilities, and patient base.
- Broader Reach: Entering the Asian market enables Optimi to expand its footprint and bring its innovative treatments to a larger and more diverse population.
- Regulatory Advancements: The Kingdom of Thailand’s progressive stance on allowing psilocybin use for research and trials sets a precedent for other nations, potentially paving the way for broader acceptance and use of psychedelics in medical treatments throughout Asia.
Optimi currently has a similar supply agreement in place with Mind Medicine Australia, an internationally renowned patient advocacy group that successfully advocated for the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) to reclassify MDMA and psilocybin from Schedule 9 to Schedule 8 in 2023. Last month, Health Canada approved three export permits, marking Optimi’s commercial entry into Australia with its GMP psychedelic medicines for eligible patients suffering from PTSD and Treatment-Resistant Depression.
For more information, please contact:
OPTIMI HEALTH CORP.
Bill Ciprick, CEO
Telephone: (778) 761-4551
For media inquiries, please contact:
Andrea Mestrovic
Andrea@weareverypolite.com
For investor inquiries, please contact:
Michael Kydd
investors@optimihealth.ca
For more information, please visit Optimi