Uncovering the Untapped Anti-Inflammatory Powers of Polyphenols
Canurta Therapeutics has brought together leading experts with decades of research experience on polyphenols including flavonoids, cannflavins and stilbenes, to discover novel mechanisms of actions and therapeutic potential with technology-driven drug development.
Our proprietary technology precisely isolates, extracts and standardizes these and other valuable compounds. This enables the creation of both extracts and single molecules that adhere to strict CMC standards.
Optimized by bioinformatics, Canurta's approach streamlines drug development, maximizing innovation, efficiency and therapeutic potential.
Building Our Future
Our future home, in Niagara Region, Ontario, is a 34-acre dynamic hub for polyphenol creation, research and local agriculture. The campus will feature state-of-the-art research laboratories, technology-driven processing, educational spaces, and live-work residencies.
Technology-Driven Drug Development with our 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.
Board of Directors
Sam Katz
Board Member
Angel investor and board member, Manitoba Harvest and Fresh Hemp Foods
Led first Canadian company to commercialize industrial hemp to $132.5M exit
Kyley Paul
Board Member
Canadian Natural Health & Cannabis Regulatory Expert
CEO of NaturalSci
Regulatory consulting
10+ years regulatory experience
Alex Chwaiewsky
Board Member
Co-Founder, Manitoba Harvest
Created Canadian market for hemp hearts
Manitoba Harvest first sale of $132.5 Million
Jerry Zeifman
Advisor
Founder, Organic Traditions
and President, Advantage Health Matters
30+ years experience in
health space
Portfolio of over 100
natural ingredients
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
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
Mark Loveless, M.D.
Medical/Scientific Advisor
Senior Medical Epidemiologist, Director of the HIV/STD/TB Program of the Oregon Health Unity
Consultant for COVID-19 response with public health agencies in Pacific Northwest
Core 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.