Optimi Health partners with Kwantlen Polytechnic University’s Center for Applied Genomics to promote mushroom science research

VANCOUVER, British Columbia, April 23, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Optimi Health Corp. (CSE: OPTI) (OTCQX: OPTHF) (FRA: 8BN), a leading manufacturer of psychedelic medicines licensed by Health Canada, is pleased to Announced the launch of an innovative medicine through a research and development partnership with the Kwantlen Polytechnic University Applied Genomics Center (KPU-AGC). The project is called “Genetic Identification” Psilocybin Containing Mushrooms will leverage KPU-AGC’s state-of-the-art genomic technology to unravel the complex genetic makeup of Optimis psilocybin-containing mushrooms, which could pave the way for unprecedented advances in the field. Psilocybin Genetics.

Optimi has a large gene bank, including more than 200 psilocybin-containing mushroom strains, one of the largest gene banks in the world. The company’s goal is to produce mushrooms rich in psilocybin and other related tryptamine alkaloids.

Optimi Chief Scientific Officer Preston A. Chase, Ph.D., expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration and its potential impact on mushroom science research. He added: “The Center for Applied Genomics at Kwantlen Polytechnic University has extensive experience and expertise in genomics research, making it an ideal partner for Optimis’ innovative initiatives in mushroom science.

Scott Marshall, Head of Mycology and Cultivation at Optimi, added: “This work will be extremely valuable in establishing a baseline for the genetic characteristics of the various psilocybin-containing mushrooms now and in future cultivation at Optimi.” This knowledge will help realize batches This is an important advance in the production of drug candidates containing natural psilocybin.

Through this collaboration, Optimi seeks to enhance its DNA characterization capabilities to enable precise species and strain-level identification of mushroom genetics for use in clinical trials and authorized medical activities. The goals of this project include:

1. Mushroom DNA Extraction: AGC will first extract DNA from 20 mushrooms Psilocybe and Panaeolus species grown using the cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) method from the Optimis Genetics Laboratory.
2. Species identification by intertranscribed spacer (ITS) sequencing: DNA extracted from 20 selected samples will be ITS sequenced to create a genotyping protocol for species identification.
3. Strain rank IDs for SNPs derived from ddRAD sequencing: A new method for strain-level identification was developed, making this study the first to provide single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) data for strains Psilocybe and Panaeolus strains.

Dr. Paul Adams, director of KPU’s Bioinnovation Laboratory, commented: The advanced genetic tools and expertise of KPU’s Center for Applied Genomics continue to deliver valuable results to industry. Working with Health Canada-licensed partners like Optimi Health ensures our partners achieve consistency in their products and achieve the best results from their studies.

Optimi and KPU-AGC are committed to collaboration and innovation to advance Health Canada-approved psychedelic research.

For media inquiries, please contact Michael Kydd:

michaelk@optimihealth.ca
902.880.6121

If investors would like to inquire, please contact:
investors@optimihealth.ca

www.optimihealth.ca

About OPTIMI (CSE: OPTI) (OTCQX: OPTHF) (France: 8BN):

Optimi Health Corp. is a leading Health Canada licensed psychedelic drug manufacturer specializing in controlled substances such as natural psilocybin and MDMA, as well as functional mushrooms focused on the health and wellness market. The company’s purpose is to produce scalable psychedelic formulations to enable transformative human experiences, with the goal of becoming the world’s first trusted, compassionate provider of safe drug candidates. Optimis products are grown and manufactured in two facilities totaling 20,000 square feet in Princeton, British Columbia.

About Kwantlen Polytechnic University

https://www.kpu.ca/about

forwardFind the statement:

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