Medlab chooses UK distributor to expand CBD and probiotic reach into Europe

The three-year deal sees the expansion of the Australian firm’s nutraceutical arm of the business, in which UK customers can purchase its patented probiotic rehydration formulation ORSBiotic.

Medlab also make available NanoCBD, its new cannabinoid product blending magnesium and CBD used to address anxiety and epileptic-induced seizures.

“Our IP has commercial reality, and whilst we have medical and scientific validation, the real-world validation is the commercial opportunities,”​ says Dr Sean Hall, CEO of Medlab.

“Medlab remains true to its IPO promise of finding good partners to provide longevity in commercial relationships,”​ he adds.

“Regarding Cultech, I have worked with them for well over a decade and they are uniquely placed to expand trade into territories beyond the United Kingdom.”​

Further terms of the exclusive distribution deal provides for 20% royalties ex-factory under the transfer agreement. Both products are expected to be online within the next 3 months.

The expansion into the UK brings with it the product ORSBiotic, a patented formulation designed to reduce occurrence of diarrhoea in children which can cause dehydration. ORSBiotic also provides electrolytes and supports gastrointestinal system health

The formulation contains the probiotic species Saccharomyces boulardii​ and zinc, which provide support for various triggers of diarrhoea and may help reduce the occurrence of diarrhoea in children.

Epilepsy seizure aid​

Meanwhile, Medlab’s NanoCBD is a formulation containing 16.67 micrograms per millilitre (mg/mL) cannabidiol (CBD) as the active ingredient, in a sub-micron spray applied to the oro-buccal membrane.

The product is said to play a role in reducing seizure frequency when used to address epilepsy. CBD has also been shown to be effective in the treatment of anxiety due to its anxiolytic properties.

The latest agreement follows on from a similar agreement reached back in October 2019, in which Medlab struck a deal with American Nutritional Corp Inc (ANC) to expand into the US using Medlab’s existing nutraceutical line.

This deal will see Medlab products sold via pharmacies and health food stores through larger, existing companies already strong in branding and distribution.

Whilst Medlab will be featured on the label, the overall intent is to rebrand to suit the clients general branding strategy.

“This agreement provides a great opportunity to expand the commercialisation opportunities for Medlab into such a large market like the USA,”​ said Dr Hall.

“Having access to clients of this calibre and being able to tap into their supply chains is very exciting and is a further example of the appeal of our patents research and strong clinical capabilities.”​

EU concessions available ​

Speaking about Medlab’s pharmaceutical expansion into Europe, Dr Hall said in a December 2018 TV interview​​ that “There are financial advantages and concessions potentially available with the European Medicines Agency (EMA), if there is a European subsidiary.”​

“We are now exchanging paperwork with the EMA and trying to formalise what could be a significant discount on their drug registration fees moving forward.​

“That we can move beyond pathway development and actually formalising it with the regulatory agency for approved claims in Europe.”​

Medlab, based in New South Wales, Australia, currently has 30 nutraceutical products (pharmaceutical-grade and standardised nutrients) worldwide, with another ten in development.

Two of its cannabis-based medicines NanaBis and NanaBidial, contain formulations of tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol.

The rapidly evolving universe of probiotics, prebiotics and the microbiome will be discussed in-depth at the upcoming Probiota 2020​​ in Dublin on February 10-12.

From microbiome advances, to start-ups, market stats, crucial clinical science and regulatory knowledge, this is a congressional must-have. 

Will you be joining your peers in one of Europe’s greatest cities?​​