Loyalist College receives Mitacs Accelerate funding awards for cannabis extracts research

Belleville, Ontario, June 17, 2021 – Loyalist College’s Centre for Natural Products and Medical Cannabis has received two Mitacs Accelerate funding awards totalling $30,000 to support an applied research project with MediPharm Labs, a Canadian company focused on producing high quality cannabis extracts and cannabis derivatives for Canadian and international markets. Two Loyalist College students, Sultan Al Sultan and Nolan Baker, have been selected for two six-month internships to support MediPharm Labs with this new applied research initiative.

The project aims to provide a better understanding of the stability of active cannabis ingredients, such as tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), which experience degradation when exposed to light, heat and/or oxygen, in relation to real use exposure and storage conditions. Cannabis products are part of an emerging market and there is a need for reliable data to determine the stability of cannabis extracts, oils, edibles and topicals. By establishing reliable expiry dating and optimal storage methods, consumers can be assured product efficacy is accurately represented on label claims.

Loyalist College and MediPharm Labs have been collaborating on applied research projects since 2019. Their four-year strategic alliance supports education, training, development and applied research projects in collaboration with the College’s Cannabis Applied Science post-graduate program.

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“With Mitacs Accelerate funding, Loyalist College can strategically support MediPharm Labs in its mission to bring safe and reliable cannabis products to market. We know data and analytical testing drive innovation and what better way to facilitate a project of this scope than by investing in our exceptional community of learners. By finding solutions to complex sector challenges, our students, faculty and lab technicians play a central role in research advancement. We are grateful for Mitacs’ continued support and look forward to collaborating with MediPharm Labs to provide our students with extraordinary work-integrated learning experiences.” – Dr. Ann Marie Vaughan, Loyalist College President and CEO

“We are pleased to be working with Loyalist College’s Applied Research and Innovation Office. This Mitacs co-funded initiative will help MediPharm Labs to better understand potential degradation pathways to assist in both our Stability Program’s choice of stability indicating assays as well as in formulation development and packaging design to maximize stability. Student researchers involved in the study will also have an opportunity to understand the regulations and guidances, such as ICH Q1A and Q1B, which form the basis of the rigorous quality systems around pharmaceutical development.” – Keith Strachan, President and Interim Chief Executive Officer, MediPharm Labs

“Ensuring a safe consumer experience is one of the most important aspects of cannabis product development. We are excited to be a part of this project, contributing to consumer needs while strengthening our research skills.” – Sultan Al Sultan, Biotechnology – Advanced student at Loyalist College

“It is gratifying to apply our academic learning to a real-life industry project. I am thankful to Mitacs, MediPharm Labs and Loyalist College for the opportunity to enhance the quality and safety of cannabis products.” – Nolan Baker, Chemical Engineering Technology student at Loyalist College

To learn more about Loyalist College’s Centre for Natural Products and Medical Cannabis and the College’s Applied Research and Innovation Office, visit loyalistappliedresearch.com.

About MediPharm Labs Corp.

Founded in 2015, MediPharm Labs specializes in the production of purified, pharmaceutical-quality cannabis oil and concentrates and advanced derivative products utilizing a Good Manufacturing Practices certified facility with ISO standard-built clean rooms. MediPharm Labs has invested in an expert, research driven team, state-of-the-art technology, downstream purification methodologies and purpose-built facilities with five primary extraction lines for delivery of pure, trusted and precision-dosed cannabis products for its customers. Through its wholesale and white label platforms, MediPharm Labs formulates, develops (including through sensory testing), processes, packages and distributes cannabis extracts and advanced cannabinoid-based products to domestic and international markets. As a global leader, MediPharm Labs has completed commercial exports to Australia, Germany and Peru, and has fully commercialized its Australian extraction facility. MediPharm Labs Australia was established in 2017.

About Mitacs
Mitacs is a not-for-profit organization that fosters growth and innovation in Canada by solving business challenges with research solutions from academic institutions. Mitacs is funded by the Government of Canada and the Government of Quebec along with the Government of Alberta, the Government of British Columbia, Research Manitoba, the Government of New Brunswick, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, the Government of Nova Scotia, the Government of Ontario, Innovation PEI, the Government of Saskatchewan, and the Government of Yukon.

About Loyalist College
Ranked one of Canada’s top 50 research colleges and #1 in the country for industry research income as a percentage of total research income, Loyalist College empowers students, faculty, staff, and partners through experiential, industry cluster-based education, training and applied research programs. As Ontario’s Destination College, the College provides job-ready graduates for, and knowledge transfer to, industry and the community. Of 2018-19 graduates, 88.8 percent were employed within six months after graduation. Located on more than 200 acres in the beautiful Bay of Quinte region, the College is perfectly positioned between Toronto, Ottawa and Montreal. Loyalist College offers more than 70 full-time diploma, certificate and apprenticeship programs in biosciences, building sciences, business, community service, health and wellness, media studies, public safety, and skilled trades. Continuing education options are available through LoyalistFocus.com, including hundreds of online, distance and in-class courses, and through the College’s 100+ university transfer agreements. Loyalist College is a key driver of social and economic health in eastern Ontario. It contributes 3.7 percent of the Gross Regional Product, representing $382 million annually to the regional economy – based on a March 2020 report by Emsi. For more information on Loyalist College’s Belleville, Bancroft and Toronto campuses and Port Hope satellite location, visit YoureGoingPlaces.com.

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Contact: Ashliegh Gehl, Coordinator, Marketing & Communications
Loyalist College, agehl@loyalistcollege.com, 613-969-1913, ext. 2826