Zelira Therapeutics expands US network with Louisiana launch of HOPE products for autism sufferers

Zelira Therapeutics Ltd (ASX:ZLD) (OTCMKTS:ZLDAF) has expanded its network in the US by launching its HOPE range of products for autism sufferers in Louisiana, USA, where laws have recently been expanded to allow more patients access to medical marijuana. With the passage of ACT No 286, all physicians in the State are now allowed to recommend medical marijuana to any of their patients and make such recommendations for any medical condition. “High-quality options for patients” Zelira Therapeutics USA chief executive officer Dr Oludare Odumosu said: "Zelira is committed to delivering high-quality, cannabinoid medicine products and options to patients and physicians in Louisiana. “Additionally, we remain steadfast in our partnerships across the globe to extend the benefits of HOPE to an even greater patient population while we continue to obtain additional data to enhance our understanding of the impact of medicinal cannabis on patients.” Product licence The HOPE range of products is being manufactured and packaged in Louisiana through a partnership between Ilera Holistic and Southern University’s Agricultural Center and will be available exclusively to all of the State’s licensed medical marijuana pharmacies. HOPE was launched successfully in Pennsylvania in May 2019 by Ilera Healthcare, which holds the licence for that State. “Access to cannabis medicine” Ilera Holistic Healthcare chief executive officer Dr Chanda Macias said: “After seeing the success of the HOPE launch in Pennsylvania we were determined to bring it to patients in Louisiana, a state which exceeds the national percentage of autism diagnoses while at-risk and under-served patients still struggle to receive safe and effective healthcare. “Louisiana families deserve full access to all the benefits that cannabis medicine can provide and we are thrilled to have HOPE in this market.” Ongoing royalties The launch is being undertaken by Zelira’s licensee Advanced Biomedics LLC dba Ilera Holistic Healthcare, for the manufacture and distribution of the HOPE range in Louisiana. Under the terms of the licensing agreement, Zelira received an up-front payment and will now receive revenue in the form of ongoing royalties from HOPE product sales in Louisiana.