Tilray Medical has introduced pastilles to the Australian market for the first time, expanding its local medical cannabis offering.
Doctors will be able to access three formulations — THC, balanced, and CBD — each sold in packs of 60 through the Special Access Scheme.
Tilray chief strategy officer and head of international, Denise Faltischek, called the Australian launch a "milestone" for the business.
"Our dedication to innovation and patient care drives us to continuously expand our medical cannabis portfolio, ensuring patients receive the best possible treatment options tailored to meet their needs and preferences," she said.
Pastilles have grown in popularity as a dosage form among both prescribers and patients over recent months. In March, they accounted for 17% of successful SAS-B applications, rising from 14% in both January and February.
InhaleRx progresses panic disorder trial
InhaleRx has signed a study order with contract research organisation Ingenu to manage a phase 1 clinical trial of its drug candidate IRX-616a.
The randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study will assess the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of the inhaled therapy for treating panic disorder.
IRX chief executive Darryl Davies said: "The execution of this study order allows for trial drug manufacturing timelines to be secured, and for progression of our planning for the commencement of phase 2 trial dosing of healthy subjects later in the year.
"There are currently no FDA approved, rapid onset, inhaled therapies available to panic disorder patients. IRX-616a represents an exciting opportunity to address this very important unmet need."
The ASX-listed company is also preparing for a phase 2 trial of its IRX-211 drug targeting breakthrough cancer pain.
NSW government seeks feedback on hemp plan
The NSW government is inviting public submissions on its draft NSW Hemp Industry Development Plan, which was developed after a taskforce examined the challenges and opportunities facing the state's hemp sector.
The draft outlines how government, industry, and stakeholders can work together to support the sector's growth. It contains an industry vision statement, four development objectives to guide strategic direction, and a set of actions for sector development.
Submissions close on May 19, with the government planning to finalise the document by mid-year.
BS3 makes key hire
Pharmaceuticals and therapeutic goods storage and logistics specialist BS3 has brought on Michelle Johnson — previously with Canopy Growth and LeafCann — as its new general manager.
Johnson's background covers GMP facility design and operations management, lean manufacturing, auditing, corrective and preventive action, quality control, qualification, validation, HR management, and business process improvement.
She has held operational leadership roles at Canopy Growth Australia, LeafCann, Baxter Healthcare, Lifeblood, Donor Tissue Bank of Victoria and Mayne Pharma.
BS3 managing director Andrew Gibson said: "Michelle's comprehensive experience and strong leadership qualities will be instrumental as BS3 continues to grow and deliver innovative cold chain solutions to our clients."
