Naturally Splendid has been making big strides over two fronts during the first few months of 2021.
In April, the company started moving towards selecting subjects for a Health Canada-approved Phase 2 clinical trial of Cavaltinib, as final preparations and planning are now complete. The trial will be run through Plasm Pharmaceutical, which is a joint venture between the company and Biologic Pharmamedical.
Cavaltinib has been shown to inhibit cytokines - small proteins released by many different cells in the body, including those of the immune system. The company believes Cavaltinib will show positive results in mitigating the so-called 'cytokine storm' - severe and potentially deadly lung inflammation - seen in COVID-19 patients.
Away from coronavirus, Naturally Splendid last year signed an exclusive sales and distribution agreement for an extensive line of plant-based products with one of Australia's most popular plant-based manufacturers, BettaLife Global Food Solutions.
In April 2021, a third shipping container of NATERA Plant Based Foods arrived from Australia. In anticipation of demand from an expanding distribution network and e-commerce presence, the company said additional purchase orders were being placed with its Australian manufacturer. These additional orders are being scheduled and will be arriving soon in Vancouver, it added.
While the company anticipates more shipments from down under, it is preparing to ship another container of hulled hemp seed for clients in South Korea. The purchase order is the fifth container shipment to the Asain nation since March 2020. Naturally Splendid noted that hemp has the most digestible protein of any plant on earth.
Meanwhile, the company recently revealed Canadian-based CANEX Foods as its latest distributor for its NATERA Plant Based Foods. CANEX's foods products reach hundreds of customers and locations, including almost every major retailer across Canada as well as many smaller independent chains and local butcher shops. Summit Specialty Foods was named the first distributor of NATERA last year.
Meridian Farm Markets, an eight-store chain with three decades of history in the Greater Vancouver region, will also offer customers a variety of NATERA Plant Based Foods.
Naturally Splendid has also launched the NATERA e-commerce website -- www.naterafoods.com. Consumers can now purchase NATERA Plant-Based Burgers, Schnitzel, Kiev, Nuggets, and Sweet Chili Tenders from the site for home delivery. Products will be shipped frozen and it has secured preferred shipping rates to optimize value for its customers.
On the financial front, Naturally Splendid bolstered its balance sheet for 2021 by exercising C$867,854 in warrants.
The company also has moved recently to beef up its executive team and advisory board. Digital marketing veteran Kris Tarr in March was named vice president of e-commerce. Tarr, who initially joined as an advisor in November 2020, will also oversee social media strategies. He has worked for globally recognized organizations such as Coca-Cola, Disney, and Nickelodeon.
In addition, it said Drago Adam, a former member of the New York Rangers hockey team, had joined the company as a market executive. Some 23 years ago he launched his own marketing company.
The company also added chef Alastair Gregor as an adviser and consultant. He is a classically trained chef, culinary instructor, nutritionist, food writer, flexitarian, businessman, and consultant with over 40 years of culinary experience, operating restaurants in Vancouver and Whistler, British Columbia.