Gene therapy and cannabis: what do they have in common? Firstly, they are promising markets. With the rapid development of technology, the whole world lives on the expectation of how much these sectors can evolve to offer new health treatments. Together, they already bring some answers, for example, to cases of retinal degeneration, Alzheimer’s disease, epilepsy, diabetes, anxiety, HIV, and muscular dystrophy.
Another common point between gene therapy and cannabis is that they are part of a special EBOOK organized by the CCBC Health Innovation Committee (CIS). In it, you have the dimension of the world health revolution – which we just don’t call next because it’s already happening now. And it is not small. It promises to make the blind see, more effective drugs for cancer, Parkinson’s disease, and dozens of other diseases.
In the genetics area, the exchange between Brazilians and Canadians opens possibilities such as the development of joint research and technology transfer. About cannabis, legal and illegal consumption is worth US$150 billion internationally, 77% of which is legal sales. In Brazil, where cultivation, stocking, and marketing of the plant are prohibited by law, those who are in need of treatment need government authorization to import cannabis medicines.
Since 2014, around 78,000 products have been brought to the country in this manner. With frequent debates in the Brazilian Congress and real chances of legalizing cannabis for medicinal use, this number is expected to grow in the coming years. Therefore, there are companies closely following this market.
To learn more, click here and download the ebook: “Health Revolution – Research and new treatments unite Brazil and Canada”.
CCBC as a part of the health revolution
CCBC has a special group that meets periodically to discuss the health landscape and raise opportunities in the Brazilian and Canadian scenario. The House of Representatives Health Innovation Committee (CIS) began in the second half of 2018 and is formed by physicians, pharmacists, researchers, lawyers, regulatory specialists, and companies in the sector.
One of the Committee’s fronts is the participation in fairs and congresses. From May 21 to 24, CCBC supported the mission organized by the Consulate General of Canada in São Paulo, which took place in parallel to the Hospital Fair, the largest health fair in Latin America.
The initiative brought ten Canadian companies to participate in a special program, learn about the Brazilian ecosystem, and meet with local organizations.
CIS and CCBC team representatives were present at some of the activities, having the opportunity to meet with mission participants during networking and business roundtables. Sergio Souza from GC5 represented CIS at the mission’s official opening lecture.
