Optimi Health Reports First Patients Dosed in Landmark Natural Psilocybin Study in New Zealand

The Company’s natural psilocybin extract powers a culturally transformative study to address methamphetamine addiction through indigenous frameworks.

Vancouver, British Columbia–(Newsfile Corp. – January 13, 2025) – Optimi Health Corp. (CSE: OPTI) (OTCQX: OPTHF) (FSE: 8BN) (“Optimi” or the “Company”), a Health Canada-licensed manufacturer of psychedelic pharmaceuticals specializing in natural psilocybin and MDMA, is proud to announce that its natural psilocybin extract has been successfully exported to New Zealand. The shipment has enabled the dosing of the first participants using Optimi’s natural psilocybin extract in a groundbreaking clinical trial supported by Tū Wairua, and the Mātai Medical Research Institute, based in Gisborne, New Zealand.

The study is the first of its kind, combining indigenous Māori knowledge systems (mātauranga Māori) with cutting-edge clinical methodologies to address methamphetamine addiction. The inaugural cohort of participants has completed preparatory sessions and received psilocybin-assisted therapy in a culturally grounded, marae-based setting using Optimi’s natural psilocybin extract.

Key Highlights

• First Participants Dosed: Optimi’s natural psilocybin extract was administered to participants at Rangiwaho Marae, marking a historic step in combining traditional healing frameworks with modern therapeutic approaches.
• Innovative Collaboration: The Tū Wairua initiative unites indigenous leaders, health researchers, and industry partners, including Rua Bioscience (NZX:RUA) and the Institute of Environmental Science and Research (ESR), to explore the therapeutic potential of taonga (mushroom) varieties.
• Cultural Integration: The trial emphasizes tikanga (cultural protocols) and collective reflection to ensure the safety, feasibility, and long-term well-being of participants and their communities.

Supporting Indigenous Leadership in Psychedelic Therapies

“This is an incredible moment for Optimi and for the field of psychedelic medicine,” said Dane Stevens, CEO of Optimi. “We are deeply honored to see our natural psilocybin extract being utilized in such a meaningful and culturally significant study. The Tū Wairua initiative is a testament to how modern science and indigenous knowledge can come together to address some of the world’s most pressing mental health challenges. We look forward to continuing our support for groundbreaking programs like this, which have the potential to transform lives and inspire global change.”

Dr. Patrick McHugh, lead investigator for the study and researcher at Mātai Medical Research Institute, stated, “The successful dosing of our first participants marks an important milestone in our work to address methamphetamine addiction through culturally grounded interventions. By integrating mātauranga Māori and tikanga into the clinical framework, we’re not only exploring the therapeutic potential of psilocybin but also honoring the mana and well-being of the participants and their communities.”

Building a Framework for Global Psychedelic Innovation

The study, supported by Rua Bioscience and other New Zealand-based organizations, is a testament to the global collaboration required to advance psychedelic medicine responsibly. Optimi’s involvement underscores the Company’s mission to make high-quality, natural psilocybin accessible to researchers and patients worldwide.

Learnings from this clinical trial will inform future trial phases and contribute to the broader understanding of psilocybin-assisted therapies.

Optimi invites research groups interested in utilizing its GMP-certified psilocybin to contact sales@optimihealth.ca for access to the investigator’s brochure and pricing details.

About Optimi Health Corp.

Optimi Health Corp. is a Health Canada-licensed, GMP-compliant manufacturer and supplier of natural psilocybin and MDMA. Dedicated to producing high-quality psychedelic products, the Company aims to support the global advancement of mental health therapies through rigorous compliance, innovation, and collaboration.

On Behalf of the Board
JJ Wilson, Chair of the Board

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation (collectively, “forward-looking statements”), including statements pertaining to the study, the results of such study, the benefits of using psilocybin and the potential for follow on studies. Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by management, are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties, and contingencies, certain of which are unknown. Any statements that express, or involve discussions as to, expectations, beliefs, plans, objectives, assumptions, or future events or performance (often, but not always, through the use of words or phrases such as “will likely result,” “are expected to,” “expects,” “will continue,” “is anticipated,” “anticipates,” “believes,” “estimated,” “intends,” “plans,” “forecast,” “projection,” “strategy,” “objective,” and “outlook”) are not historical facts and may be forward-looking statements. These statements may involve estimates, assumptions, and uncertainties that could cause actual results or outcomes to differ materially from those expressed in such forward-looking statements. No assurance can be given that these expectations will prove to be correct, and such forward-looking statements included in this news release should not be unduly relied upon. These statements speak only as of the date of this news release.

Forward-looking statements are based on a number of assumptions and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond Optimi’s control, which could cause actual results and events to differ materially from those that are disclosed in or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such risk factors include but are not limited to those factors which are discussed in the Company’s long form prospectus dated February 12, 2021, a copy of which is available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. Except as expressly required by applicable law, Optimi undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as may be required by law. New factors emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for Optimi to predict all of them or assess the impact of each factor or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement. Any forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement.

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor the Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/236949