Uncovering the Future of Botanical Therapies
Canurta’s journey began in 2019 when Dr. Tariq Akhtar and his team at the University of Guelph made a breakthrough discovery—the ability to efficiently extract and enrich potent anti-inflammatory polyphenols. This scientific advancement laid the foundation for what would become Canurta’s innovative approach to botanical therapeutics.
Founded in 2021, Canurta Therapeutics is committed to harnessing the full therapeutic potential novel polyphenols to address the root causes of neurodegenerative and inflammatory diseases. Our research focuses on key compounds like cannflavins A & B, as well as other unique polyphenols found in cannabis, including bibenzyls and stilbenes. With a team of leading experts sharing decades of experience, we are exploring new mechanisms of action and therapeutic potential through technology-driven drug development.
Key Milestones
Since our inception, Canurta has secured over $10 million in funding, including $2.77 million in non-dilutive funding, accelerating our research and development efforts. Our lead candidate, CNR-401, is clinically ready, marking a critical milestone in addressing unmet patient needs.
With 23 global patents filed across 7 major markets, covering novel production methods, therapeutic compositions, and AI-driven drug discovery, we hold a first-mover advantage in the botanical therapeutics space.
Building Our Future
Our future home a 34-acre dynamic hub for polyphenol creation, research and local agriculture. Our headquarters will feature state-of-the-art research laboratories, technology-driven processing, educational spaces, and live-work residencies.
Join Us in Advancing Botanical Solutions
We are inviting early investors to join us in our CAD $5M pre-seed round, offering a first-mover advantage in the rapidly evolving neurodegenerative market by leveraging patented technologies and novel polyphenols.
Backed by government and anchor funding, this round reduces investment risks, with upcoming milestones including registration trials and a future public markets listing, positioning Canurta for strong returns and a strategic market exit.
Ecosystem Partners
Meet Our Founder and CEO
Akeem Gardner is the CEO & Founder of Canurta, a future leader in Canadian life sciences and biotechnology with a founder-first mentality. Five years ago, Akeem embarked on a journey to impact health through hemp cultivation. His passion for botanical solutions to inflammation spurred Canurta’s early innovations forward.
A bold entrepreneur, Akeem Gardner possesses a unique combination of academic, athletic, and professional experiences to lead and create exceptional shareholder value. With dual degrees in Psychology and Philosophy and a Bachelor of Law, Akeem excels in grasping complex scientific concepts and navigating regulatory guidelines, IP, and patent strategy.
Our Team of Experts
Canurta Therapeutics is supported by a team of 11 dedicated experts and guided by a world-class Scientific Advisory Board, including former members from GW Pharmaceutical. Our diverse team brings deep industry expertise across biotechnology, drug development, and regulatory strategy. Together, with strong ecosystem partners, we are building a foundation for disruptive botanical therapeutics.
Leadership Team
Kelly Boddington, Ph.D.
Research Associate
Biochemistry expertise in hemp polyphenol synthesis, with published background in cannabis research.
Pamela Kisun
Head of Operations
Leads clinical ops, SOP implementation, and ensures comprehensive GxP compliance and ESG strategy execution.
Eric Soubeyrand, Ph.D.
Research Associate
Specialist in plant biology and secondary metabolism, with over 20 publications.
Samantha Palloo
People and Culture Lead
Secured over $400,000 in government grants, supporting organizational growth and strategic initiatives.
Scientific Advisory Board
Dr. Ethan Russo, M.D.
Senior Medical Advisor
Preeminent global medical cannabis expert
16 years at GW Pharmaceuticals
Study Physician for Sativex® and Epidiolex® clinical trials
Dr. Neal Davies, Ph.D., RPh, FCAHS
Principal Investigator, Pharmacokinetics
Dean and Professor, Faculty of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Alberta
Leading investigator of anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer nutraceuticals including flavonoids
Jasmin Lalonde, Ph.D.
Principal Investigator, Neuroscience
Department of Molecular Cellular Neurology,
University of Guelph
2020 Future Leader in Canadian Brain Research
Steve Crow
Clinical Ops Advisor
20+ years' experience in global clinical development and a strong background with GW and Jazz Pharmaceuticals.
José Casaretto, Ph.D.
Senior Technical Advisor
Research Scientist focused on genomics and biochemical engineering approaches to produce secondary metabolites
Inventor on extraction and biosynthesis patents
Tariq Akhtar, Ph.D.
Principal Investigator, Molecule Development
Department of Molecular Biology Associate Professor, University of Guelph
Research focus on natural products and specialized metabolites
Alan Sutton, BSc
CMC Advisor
CMC expert with over two decades at GW Pharmaceuticals, contributing significantly to Sativex® and Epidiolex® research.
Matthew Hersh
Clinical Ops Advisor
Global development excellence specialist with 20+ years’ experience at GW and Jazz Pharmaceuticals.