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 of 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, 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.
2025
Entered definitive agreement with PharmaDrug Inc.
Advanced public-market strategy and support for CNR‑401’s clinical and commercial pathway.
2025
Signed LOI with extractX Ltd.
Formed new partnership to scale botanical input processing and accelerate drug supply chain readiness.
2024
Surpassed $13M in total funding.
Achieved $3.22M in non-dilutive funding to advance formulation, AI, and regulatory programs.
2023
Reached 23 global patents filed across 7 major markets.
Patents span manufacturing, AI-driven discovery, therapeutic compositions, and biosynthetic innovations.
2023
Launched PolyKye™ platform.
Introduced predictive AI + bioinformatics engine to accelerate polyphenol-based drug discovery.
2022
Built scientific advisory board.
Appointed former GW Pharmaceuticals leadership and top regulatory experts to guide therapeutic strategy.
2021
Canurta Therapeutics founded by Akeem Gardner, CEO.
Established to pioneer botanical therapeutics, combining visionary leadership with a scientific foundation built to address neurodegenerative and inflammatory diseases.
2019
Breakthrough at University of Guelph.
Dr. Tariq Akhtar’s lab developed a patented method to efficiently extract and enrich rare polyphenols like cannflavins A & B.
Join Us in Advancing Botanical Solutions
Canurta is advancing a clinical-stage pipeline of botanical drug candidates targeting neurodegenerative and inflammatory diseases. Supported by government partnerships and strategic anchor funding, we are focused on unlocking institutional growth by progressing toward pivotal trials and public market readiness. Our patented technologies and regulatory strategy position Canurta for durable therapeutic impact and value-driven investor returns.
Ecosystem Partners
Akeem Gardner
CEO & Founder
Visionary biotech entrepreneur with a background in law, psychology, and philosophy. Leads Canurta’s strategic direction, IP development, and commercialization efforts.
Leadership Team
Kelly Boddington, Ph.D.
Research Associate
Biochemistry expertise in 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
Renowned clinician-scientist specializing in plant-based therapeutics
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
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.
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
Steve Crow
Clinical Ops Advisor
20+ years' experience in global clinical development and a strong background with GW and Jazz Pharmaceuticals.