Halifax biotech company developing safe, cutting-edge products to ease chronic pain, inflammation
July 11, 2019 – Halifax, NS – Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Innovative new treatments for pain management improve the daily lives of Canadians. Panag Pharma Inc. is developing a line of plant-based remedies to fight chronic pain and inflammation, helping people enjoy a better quality of life, and growing Atlantic Canada’s life sciences sector.
The Halifax biotechnology company is creating a family of both over-the-counter and prescription cannabinoid-based products that provide safe, effective, non-addictive pain management. The treatments act directly on the pain receptors in the body and are used for wound healing, treating irritated skin and relieving cold sores, among other applications. Unique in the world, these natural medications enable the company to create highly skilled jobs and position it well for future growth.
Today, Andy Fillmore, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Canadian Heritage and Multiculturalism and Member of Parliament for Halifax, on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), announced support for Panag Pharma Inc. as it develops and commercializes its innovative products.
The Government of Canada is making smart investments that will create good, highly skilled jobs in our country. It is helping small and medium-sized businesses to start-up, expand or modernize and supporting not-for-profit industry organizations to fuel business growth. Support for this project is one way the Government of Canada is working to achieve its Atlantic Growth Strategy outcome of long-term economic prosperity in the region.
Quotes
“Innovation that focuses on the commercialization of research to improve the quality of people’s lives can have far-reaching global impacts. That is why the Government of Canada is committed to projects such as this one that showcase the best of what Atlantic Canada offers, providing quality bio-innovations that attract investment and talent and advance regional economic prosperity.”
– The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, and Minister responsible for ACOA
“When a local organization develops groundbreaking solutions to treat problems like chronic pain, it not only improves the daily lives of Canadians, but also bolsters development of the life science sector in the region. The Government of Canada is proud to support local businesses like Panag Pharma that spur economic growth, create highly skilled jobs and make the world a better, and less painful, place.”
– Andy Fillmore, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Canadian Heritage and Multiculturalism and Member of Parliament for Halifax
“We are extremely pleased to have the support of the ACOA. This contribution clearly underlines the confidence the Agency has in our strategic direction to further grow our business and to our commitment to the Province of Nova Scotia and Atlantic Canada. Our management and employees are grateful for the opportunities this financing presents.”
– Chris MacLean, Chief Operating Officer, Panag Pharma Inc
“Today’s announcement reminds me of the expression that it takes a village. With the ingenuity and innovation of our life sciences group Panag, the marketing expertise of Tetra Natural Health, the licensing skills of Tetra Bio-Pharma, assistance with facilities from Dalhousie University and the generosity and confidence of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, we are able to showcase what collaboration can accomplish and it is something we should all be justifiably proud of.”
– Dr. Bill Cheliak, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Tetra Bio-Pharma Inc.
Quick Facts
Panag Pharma is a wholly owned subsidiary of Ontario’s Tetra Bio-Pharma. The Panag Pharma team of PhD scientists and medical doctors are leading researchers and clinicians in the area of pain treatment and management. They bring a combined experience of more than 100 years in research and clinical care of people dealing with chronic pain and inflammatory conditions.
Panag Pharma Inc. plans to produce AWAYE™, a topical over-the-counter medication for the temporary relief of aches and pains of muscles and joints associated with one or more of strains/sprains involving muscles, tendons, and/or ligaments, arthritis, simple backache and/or lumbago. The product, which is manufactured in New Brunswick, is already Health Canada approved and has a Natural Product Number. It is currently undergoing clinical trials and will be available through online distribution, over the counter in pharmacies, and by prescription. Other treatments for cold sores, hemorrhoids, interstitial cystitis and corneal ulcers are in development.
The Government of Canada is providing a repayable contribution of $500,000 to Panag Pharma Inc. through ACOA’s Business Development Program.
The BDP primarily assists Atlantic Canadian entrepreneurs who want to start a business, increase productivity or improve operations. Investments under the BDP address any gap that may arise if an application does not fit within ACOA’s Regional Economic Growth through Innovation (REGI) program.
The Business Development Program continues to build on the objectives of Innovation and Skills Plan, a multi-year strategy to create well-paying jobs for the middle class and those working hard to join it.
Contacts
Chris Brooks
Director, Communications and Outreach
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
902-426-9417 / 902-830-3839 (cell)
[email protected]
Chris MacLean
Chief Operating Officer
Panag Pharma Inc.
902-499-6959 (cell)
[email protected]
energi PR
Marissa Zanti
Vice-President, Healthcare
437-215-6888 (cell)
[email protected]
