Canurta Expands Global Reach with extractX Partnership, Strategic MOU, and Continued Biosynthesis Validation
- Canurta
- Mar 3
- 2 min read
Canurta Partners with extractX to Integrate Patented Extraction Processes into EML 2.0
Canurta announced a partnership with extractX Ltd. in connection with extractX’s enhanced Extraction Mobile Lab platform (EML 2.0). Under this collaboration, extractX is leveraging Canurta’s patented extraction processes within its pharma-grade mobile laboratory infrastructure.
The EML 2.0 system is designed to deliver GMP-aligned, on-site botanical processing capabilities. By integrating Canurta’s proprietary extraction methodologies, the platform enables the capture of high-value distillates and rare polyphenols, including cannflavins, within scalable, compliant infrastructure.
Strategic MOU Signed with International Business University and IPTP
In parallel with expanding global extraction infrastructure, Canurta signed an MOU with International Business University (IBU) and the Institute of Peoples, Territories, and Pedagogies for Peace (IPTP), effective January 19, 2026, establishing a five-year framework to develop and commercialize community-led projects across historically marginalized communities in the Americas.
The collaboration focuses on sectors including energy and digital infrastructure (among others), with Canurta supporting feasibility assessment, commercialization structuring, and capital coordination for viable initiatives.
Preclinical Evaluation of Cannflavins A and B in Glioblastoma Cell Models
As commercialization infrastructure advances, scientific investigation into rare polyphenols continues within academic settings.
A newly published peer-reviewed study from researchers at the University of Guelph evaluated cannflavins A and B in laboratory models of glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), one of the most aggressive forms of brain cancer.
The study found that cannflavin B reduced tumor cell survival and limited cancer cell movement and growth in preclinical models. Effects were observed in both traditional cell cultures and more advanced 3D models designed to better reflect tumor behavior.
Biosynthesis Platform Scaling Through Pichia pastoris Expression
Complementing ongoing academic research, Canurta’s internal R&D team continues to advance its biosynthesis platform.
Enzymes expressed in Pichia pastoris were confirmed to be active, supporting the viability of this production method for scalable polyphenol biosynthesis. Advancing biosynthetic production methods remains central to ensuring consistent, controlled, and commercially viable manufacturing pathways for rare polyphenols.
International Engagement: Ontario Life Sciences Mission to Brazil
As research and infrastructure initiatives progress, international market engagement remains a parallel priority.
Founder and CEO Akeem Gardner participated in the Ontario Life Sciences Mission to Brazil, representing Canurta within the largest healthcare market in Latin America. Throughout the mission, discussions were held with pharmaceutical manufacturers, healthcare institutions, regulatory and quality organizations, industry associations, and public research institutes.
Leadership Perspective: CanadianSME Feature and NGBiLab Podcast
February also included increased visibility for Canurta’s leadership within Canada’s innovation community.
Akeem Gardner was featured in the February 2026 issue of CanadianSME Small Business Magazine, where he discussed capital discipline, long-term value creation, and the operational realities of building technology-driven companies in regulated environments.
He also appeared on the season-opening episode of NGBiLab to discuss Canurta’s evolution into a biotechnology company, the rigor required to validate botanical drug candidates, and the broader investment landscape supporting Canadian innovation.
