NASDAQ | TSX: ACB
Research Project designed to validate breeding genetics
connected with fruity aroma, a key patient and consumer preference
trait, with positive impact on future innovation
EDMONTON, AB, Oct. 2, 2024
/PRNewswire/ - Aurora Cannabis Inc. (NASDAQ: ACB) (TSX:
ACB) –—the Canadian based leading global medical cannabis
company, today announced a research grant provided to the
University of British Columbia (UBC) by
Genome British Columbia (Genome BC), a not-for-profit organization
supporting world-class genomics research and innovation in
British Columbia. The project,
Genomics-enabled Aroma Breeding in Cannabis, will directly
support Aurora's genetics work the project, is led by Drs.
Jose Celedon, Principal Scientist,
Breeding and Genetics at Aurora, and by Joerg Bohlmann, a professor at UBC, and is
focused on validating genetic and chemical markers for fruity aroma
in cannabis. This meaningful genetics research aligns with Aurora's
breeding goals and will enable the company to enhance its breeding
program with greater accuracy and efficiency on consumer-focused
traits, positively impacting future innovation.
"Through this work Aurora will deepen our understanding of
cannabis genetics with a focus on aromas, a leading driver of
consumer preference that directly impacts the user experience,"
said Dr. Jose Celedon, Director,
Breeding and Genetics at Aurora. "By collaborating with UBC on this
Genome BC-funded project, we are able to fully execute this aroma
research without the typical financial constraints, allowing us to
continue simultaneous work on additional important breeding traits,
such as yield, potency and disease resistance. We are eager to see
the outcomes of our work and the impact on the future of cannabis
breeding."
Aroma is a distinct characteristic of cannabis and an important
aspect of consumer inclination. As a leader with one of the most
advanced cannabis genetic libraries globally, Aurora will move
beyond sensory analysis and into validated aroma markers with this
research. Recently, Aurora patented a series of genetic and
chemical markers for fruity aroma, identified through its CanD
diversity panel. This collaboration will allow Aurora to validate
these markers using cutting-edge approaches that would otherwise
require significant funding. The data generated from this work will
support the discovery and launch of cultivars with unique and
improved aromas, alongside high yield and potency.
Aurora's in-kind contributions to the project include conducting
sensory analysis of fruity aromas, and leading bioinformatic
analyses with in-house software. UBC's contributions to the project
through Genome BC funding, will involve sequencing transcriptomes,
analysing the volatile chemistry, and conducting functional
characterization of the genes responsible for fruity aromas in
cannabis. If successful, the methods developed in this project will
be adapted to explore other aromas and could further strengthen
Aurora's aroma-related intellectual property portfolio.
This collaboration with UBC underscores Aurora's commitment to
innovation and scientific advancement in the cannabis sector.
Aurora continues to push the boundaries of cannabis research and
development, setting new standards for product quality and consumer
satisfaction.
About Aurora Cannabis
Aurora is opening the world to cannabis, serving both the
medical and consumer markets
across Canada, Europe, Australia and South
America. Headquartered in Edmonton, Alberta, Aurora is a pioneer in global
cannabis, dedicated to helping people improve their lives. The
Company's adult- use brand portfolio includes Aurora Drift, San
Rafael '71, Daily Special, Tasty's, Being and Greybeard. Medical
cannabis brands include MedReleaf, CanniMed, Aurora and Whistler
Medical Marijuana Co, as well as international brands, Pedanios,
Bidiol, IndiMed and CraftPlant. Aurora also has a controlling
interest in Bevo Farms Ltd., North America's leading
supplier of propagated agricultural plants. Driven by science and
innovation, and with a focus on high-quality cannabis products,
Aurora's brands continue to break through as industry leaders in
the medical, wellness and adult recreational markets wherever they
are launched. Learn more at www.auroramj.com and
follow us on X and LinkedIn.
About Genome British Columbia
Genome BC is a not-for-profit organization that has advanced
genomics research and innovation for nearly 25 years, growing a
world-class life sciences sector in BC and delivering sustainable
benefits for British Columbia,
Canada and beyond. Genome BC has attracted over $1 billion in direct co-investment to the
province, which has contributed to funding more than 550 genomics
research and innovation projects. These initiatives enhance
healthcare and address environmental and natural resource
challenges, improving the lives of British Columbians. Genome BC
also integrates genomics into society by supporting responsible
research and innovation and fostering an understanding and
appreciation of the life sciences among educators, students and the
public. www.genomebc.ca
Aurora's Common Shares trade on the NASDAQ and TSX under the
symbol "ACB".
Forward Looking Information
This news release includes statements containing certain
"forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable
securities law ("forward-looking statements").
Forward-looking statements are frequently characterized by words
such as "plan", "continue", "expect", "project", "intend",
"believe", "anticipate", "estimate", "may", "will", "potential",
"proposed" and other similar words, or statements that certain
events or conditions "may" or "will" occur. Forward-looking
statements made in this news release include, but are not limited
to, statements regarding Aurora's research funding from Genome BC
and associated benefits, including as related to the Company's
breeding program, intellectual property and future innovation, as
well as statements regarding the Company's continued commitment to
innovation and scientific advancement in the cannabis sector.
These forward-looking statements are only predictions. Forward
looking information or statements contained in this news release
have been developed based on assumptions management considers to be
reasonable. Material factors or assumptions involved in developing
forward-looking statements include, without limitation, publicly
available information from governmental sources as well as from
market research and industry analysis and on assumptions based on
data and knowledge of this industry which the Company believes to
be reasonable. Forward-looking statements are subject to a variety
of risks, uncertainties and other factors that management believes
to be relevant and reasonable in the circumstances could cause
actual events, results, level of activity, performance, prospects,
opportunities or achievements to differ materially from those
projected in the forward-looking statements. These risks include,
but are not limited to, the ability to retain key personnel, the
ability to continue investing in infrastructure to support growth,
the ability to obtain financing on acceptable terms, the continued
quality of our products, customer experience and retention, the
development of third party government and non-government consumer
sales channels, management's estimates of consumer demand in
Canada and in jurisdictions where
the Company exports, expectations of future results and expenses,
the risk of successful integration of acquired business and
operations (with respect to the Transaction and more generally with
respect to future acquisitions), management's estimation that
SG&A will grow only in proportion of revenue growth, the
ability to expand and maintain distribution capabilities, the
impact of competition, the general impact of financial market
conditions, the yield from cannabis growing operations, product
demand, changes in prices of required commodities, competition, and
the possibility for changes in laws, rules, and regulations in the
industry, epidemics, pandemics or other public health crises and
other risks, uncertainties and factors set out under the heading
"Risk Factors" in the Company's annual information from dated
June 20, 2024 (the "AIF") and filed
with Canadian securities regulators available on the Company's
issuer profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.com and filed with
and available on the SEC's website at www.sec.gov. The Company
cautions that the list of risks, uncertainties and other factors
described in the AIF is not exhaustive and other factors could also
adversely affect its results. Readers are urged to consider the
risks, uncertainties and assumptions carefully in evaluating the
forward-looking statements and are cautioned not to place undue
reliance on such information. The Company is under no obligation,
and expressly disclaims any intention or obligation, to update or
revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new
information, future events or otherwise, except as expressly
required by applicable securities law.
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SOURCE Aurora Cannabis Inc.