Vancouver’s Optimi Health, developers of a vertically integrated functional mushroom brand focused on the health and wellness sector, has appointed Justin D. Kirkland to the position of Chief Science Officer.
Optimi’s overarching philosophy and commitment to the use of all-natural ingredients in its products is a key differentiator compared to those industry competitors who have committed to the production of laboratory produced synthetic psilocybin compounds.
Optimi is nearing completion and official commissioning of its 20,000 sq. ft. purpose-built facilities in Princeton, BC.
Kirkland is a chemist with specialized experience in natural products, small molecules, peptide synthesis, analytical chemistry, and drug formulations for improved bioavailability. He was recently awarded a U.S. patent for the improved synthesis of the ergoline, 2-bromo-LSD; useful in treating cluster headaches.
The timing of Kirkland’s appointment is ideal. Optimi’s work with the IMPACT program and research relationship with Numinus Wellness are extraordinary opportunities requiring effective leadership in order to rapidly meet the requisite steps towards the future commercialization of psilocybin-based formulations.
“We felt it important to invest time to find a suitable leader to oversee and coordinate the multiple and overlapping aspects of our research efforts. We were delighted to identify a candidate that fit with our approach of aggressively pursuing IP and patentable all-natural psilocybin formulations so readily,” said JJ Wilson, Optimi’s Chairman of the Board, regarding the announcement.
“Justin’s overall background, interest, and experience in the development of innovative natural drug products is ideally suited to assist our rapid growth in the research and development of natural and novel psilocybin-based formulations. The fact he has extensive experience with functional product development and manufacturing is a significant plus as we begin our upcoming dosing study in humans at the University of Calgary.”
Photo by Dorothea OLDANI on Unsplash
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