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Auckland, August 11, 2021
With the availability of highly desired local medicinal cannabis products fast approaching, healthcare professionals are being encouraged to attend Medcan 2021.
The call comes as Medsafe has issued the local industry’s first GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) licence to manufacture medicines to Helius Therapeutics. With other local companies also set for GMP Certification, Kiwi patients can expect high-quality and more affordable New Zealand medicinal cannabis products by the end of this year.
About the Summit
Medcan Summit 2021 is organised by NZTech and BioTech NZ, a not for profit, membership-funded organisation with the goal of maximising New Zealand’s Bioscience and Technology capability to create a strong New Zealand bioeconomy.
BioTech NZ is a part of the New Zealand tech alliance.
Focused on ‘A New Frontier of Care’, the well-timed Medcan 2021 Summit will connect Medicine, Science, Industry and Technology. It will take place at Auckland’s Cordis Hotel on October 12 and October 13, 2021.
Dr Zahra Champion, Executive Director Of BioTech NZ and Medcan Summit 2021 Organiser, has called on patients who are using or interested in Medical Cannabis to encourage their doctor or pharmacist to attend the Summit.
“Medcan 2021 is the best opportunity that healthcare professionals have this year to better equip themselves to prescribe medicinal cannabis products. The 500-plus attendees expected in person and digitally will hear from over 30 subject experts. Speakers include international and local scientists, medical experts, clinicians, entrepreneurs, investors and policymakers,” she said.
Medcan’s full two-day programme has now been released and registrations are open, with early-bird discounts applying until August 31, 2021. The Summit has designed a specific stream for healthcare professionals.
Strong endorsements
The one-day healthcare professional Forum will see experts present on the Endocannabinoid system, clinical data, applications and prescribing medicinal cannabis in medical practice.
“We are keen for more GPS to attend, given that they are critical to patient access. Further, the educational components of Medcan 2021 have been endorsed by the Pharmaceutical Society of New Zealand; and endorsement from RNZCGP is currently under submission,” Dr Champion said.
Medcan’s Foundation Sponsor, Helius Therapeutics, said that a dedicated forum for healthcare professionals is timely, given that local products will start to become available in the coming months.
Helius Therapeutics Chief Executive Carmen Doran said that Medcan 2021 is a big drawcard for more GPS and pharmacists to attend.
“As well as the medicine forum, organisers have put together two impressive Science and Industry streams. Helius is delighted to once again sponsor Medcan – an incredibly important annual summit for our sector and country,” she said.
Other key supporters confirmed include Gold Sponsor Eqalis and Bronze Sponsor Puro, both local medicinal cannabis businesses. Organisers say that other sponsorship, exhibition and networking packages are also available.
Challenges and opportunities
With last year’s inaugural Medcan 2020 a sell-out success, New Zealand’s only Medicinal Cannabis Summit will comprehensively explore a wide array of local and global opportunities and challenges.
“More than $100 million has been invested so far in New Zealand’s medicinal cannabis industry. It has been a long and tough road, but delivery of high-quality cost-effective local products is now imminent. There is huge anticipation from patients, and rest assured our local industry cannot wait to deliver. Everyone is well and truly up for it,” Dr Champion said.
She said that industry experts will present the latest scientific findings and breakthrough technologies. Cultivation, manufacturing, New Zealand regulations, export, clinical trials, and investment will be well canvased.
“The invaluable insights gained at Medcan 2021 will help local companies accelerate their path to market. Education, innovation and collaboration are key to the success of New Zealand’s newest and most exciting industry,” Dr Champion said.
For more information, please email info@medcansummit.co.nz. Website: www.medcansummit.co.nz
