Canurta Finalizes PHRX Agreement, Publishes ALS and Antifungal Research, and Expands Global IP Portfolio
- Canurta
- Oct 30
- 2 min read
Definitive Agreement Signed with PHRX: Canurta Advances Public Market Strategy
Canurta Therapeutics has signed a Definitive Agreement with PharmaDrug Inc. (CSE: PHRX.CN), formalizing the terms of the proposed acquisition of up to 40 percent of Canurta. This agreement marks a key step forward in Canurta’s strategy to access the public markets, building on the previously announced LOI and reinforcing its focus on long-term growth and capital efficiency.
The partnership is designed to support the advancement of Canurta’s clinical programs, including CNR-401 and the Satoshi Trials™, while expanding operational scale. As part of the agreement, Canurta CEO Akeem Gardner will join PharmaDrug’s Board of Directors.
Patent Application Published Under PCT
Canurta’s international patent application PCT/CA2025/050402 has been officially published under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT). The application covers novel therapeutic compositions and methods derived from rare cannabis flavonoids, supporting Canurta’s position in the development of small molecule treatments for inflammatory and neurological conditions.
Peer-Reviewed Publication: Neuroprotective Mechanisms of CNR-401
Transcriptomic Analysis of a Cannabis-Derived Neuroprotective Therapy in a Zebrafish Model of ALS has been accepted for publication in the ResearchHub Journal.
The study presents transcriptomic findings from a zebrafish model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), demonstrating how a Canurta-derived polyphenol formulation may modulate neuroinflammation and protect against neuronal degeneration. These findings add peer-reviewed support to the mechanistic rationale behind CNR-401 and its application in neuroinflammatory disease.
New Preprint: Cannflavin B Improves Behavioral and Neural Outcomes in Prenatal VPA Model
A new preprint titled: Cannflavin B ameliorates social and anxiety deficits and neuronal systems dysfunction in adolescent rats exposed to prenatal valproic acid has been published on bioRxiv. The study evaluated the effects of cannflavin B in a prenatal valproic acid (VPA) exposure model, widely used to study features of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The compound was shown to normalize behavioural and neuronal systems function alterations induced by prenatal VPA in rats.
These findings provide new insight into the therapeutic relevance of cannabis-derived flavonoids in models of neurodevelopmental disorders.
New Preclinical Insights: Cannflavin A as Antifungal Agent
Canurta’s research team has shared early findings from a study evaluating cannflavin A in a mouse model of fungal infection. Preliminary results indicate synergy with Amphotericin B, suggesting that cannflavin A may enhance the activity of existing antifungal therapies.
This insight opens new possibilities for polyphenol applications beyond inflammation and neurology, reinforcing the breadth of Canurta’s drug discovery focus.
Showcasing Innovation at Niagara Life Sciences Event
In October, Canurta CEO Akeem Gardner joined researchers, industry leaders, and emerging companies at the Life Sciences Ontario Road Trip event hosted by Niagara Economic Development at Brock University. The gathering offered a focused look into Niagara’s growing life sciences sector.
The event provided an opportunity to share Canurta’s work in small molecule drug development and connect with other organizations driving scientific progress in the region. With strong representation from academic institutions, public health agencies, and startups, the day underscored the depth of innovation and collaboration across the Niagara ecosystem.
Canurta is proud to contribute to these conversations as we continue to expand our presence and partnerships within Ontario’s life sciences community.
