Biotech

Zelda Therapeutics enters strategic manufacturing and distribution agreement

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By Filip Karinja - 
Zelda Therapeutics ZLD manufacturing distribution agreement
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Zelda Therapeutics (ASX: ZLD) has entered into a strategic manufacturing and distribution agreement with Knop Laboratories SA.

Key Highlights:

  • Zelda Therapeutics to work closely with leading Chilean pharmaceutical manufacturing group Knop Laboratories.
  • Knop has been established since the 1930’s and is a privately held, independent pharmaceutical company with a solid market presence in Chile.
  • In addition to GMP-standard world-class manufacturing facilities Knop operates a chain of 70 pharmacies throughout Chile.
  • Knop is an ideal partner for Zelda to source GMP-grade material and accessing an existing distribution network to fast-track commercialisation of registered products.

This agreement forms an important part of Zelda’s Chilean activities and locks in a high quality supply of Zelda’s formulated medicinal-cannabis medicines initially, for its planned clinical trials, and subsequently a secure, scalable and GMP-grade source of commercial quantities following product registration.

Furthermore, Knop operates a chain of pharmacies throughout Chile. This agreement contemplates Knop becoming a key distribution channel for Zelda registered medicines following completion of its clinical trials in insomnia, eczema and the recently announced expansion into autism.

Knop Laboratories are recognized as a signature trusted brand in Chile, dating back to the 1920’s when its founder Reinaldo Knop, a pioneer in Chile in the research and development of homeopathic and phytotherapeutic medicine started manufacturing his own products for prescription medicines, which soon grew into a state of the art manufacturing establishment known as Knop Laboratories (1930’s). Recognized for its commitment to fostering international safety standards and its strict quality control frameworks including accreditation with GMP and ISO 9001 quality assurance systems, Knop Laboratories is a leading international pharmaceutical company and household brand name in Chile.

Knop’s related companies include a pharmacy chain which spans across Chile. This organisational structure makes Knop an ideal partner for the manufacture of Zelda’s products, providing access to a large distribution network to fast track market penetration in South America.

Zelda has chosen to expand its research programme into Chile because the country’s legal framework recognizes the importance of medical cannabis, allowing its production under strict regulatory controls for the treatment of medical conditions. The country also provides a cost-effective location for Zelda to conduct clinical trials.

This partnership will not only expedite the clinical trial process, with the certainty of product supply, but it will potentially allow the mass production of Zelda’s medicines for the treatment of eczema, insomnia and autism, providing a natural alternative to many patients who suffer from these conditions.

Both Zelda and Knop are excited by this partnership and will work closely together to explore other opportunities in this fast growing and emerging sector.

Harry Karelis, Executive Chairman said:

“We are delighted to be entering into this partnership with Knop who have an impressive history in Chile and extensive relationships with key regulators. They operate a world-class facility with a newly commissioned ethanol-extraction facility dedicated to producing high quality cannabis-derived extracts. We have been in close discussions with Knop for some time and are excited to be working together. The partnership provides a very solid platform to rapidly expand the company’s activities and an important element of our focus on rapid commercialisation.”

Dr Germán Knop, Managing Director, Knop Laboratories said:

“Our company has a long tradition in plant-derived medications and we see the rapidly growing medicinal cannabis market as a key opportunity. This partnership with Zelda will no doubt lead to numerous opportunities for both parties in the global arena. We believe that Australia and Chile are both well placed to secure leading positions in the global medicinal cannabis market and help fast-track high quality, affordable medicines to patients in need.”