AREV Brands International Ltd. (CSE: AREV) (OTC: AREVF) is pleased to announce that it is negotiating to acquire 50 per cent of Lighthouse Genomics Inc. Lighthouse will remain an independent operating entity with voting control and an agreement to provide AREV holdings with preferential access to genomic analysis to inform AREV breeding operations with advanced genetic science.
AREV, a cannabis integrator, conducts extensive breeding research and development to produce proprietary genetic assets through its holdings in BC Bud Depot. The Lighthouse acquisition complements the Company’s purchase of its largest holding, BC Bud Depot assets, which include a seed bank considered to be a world-class genetic resource, as previously announced September 7, 2018. The strategic investment in Lighthouse Genomics Inc. strengthens AREV’s position as an international leader in cannabis genetic research and breeding.
AREV’s programs operated by BC Bud Depot will utilize Lighthouse’s proprietary technologies to accelerate breeding of new genetic assets through oversight of the genetic basis of traits in cannabis. Lighthouse ‘ s industry-leading technologies include the Lighthouse Cannabis Assay(TM) (LCA), which captures 40,000 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) selected for high relevance within the cannabis genome. The LCA is considered the most comprehensive SNP genotype array chip for cannabis currently available worldwide. Lighthouse has also produced a proprietary bioinformatics software pipeline to analyze and interpret data produced by LCA genotyping or by Whole Genome Sequencing. These data-capture and analytic technologies provide AREV with an unprecedented opportunity to apply strategic genomic intelligence to producing rare and stable traits in new genetic assets, developed with speed and precision far surpassing conventional plant-breeding practices.
Timothy Harvey, CEO of Lighthouse Genomics, stated, “Genetic oversight is an indispensable tool for developing cannabis varieties with production efficiencies and rare chemical signatures that target specific desired outcomes. We offer tools and techniques that allow cannabis companies to lead and compete as the industry transitions to a science-based era. The Lighthouse Cannabis Assay(TM) can be used to screen populations to detect infrequent allelic forms, and to select breeding partners for reproductive stability in genes that encode for traits not commonly expressed in the broader population. The LCA captures data from approximately 5000 genes of interest, including dozens of cannabinoid and terpene synthase genes, precursor genes and genes associated with crop yields and flower size. We provide AREV the opportunity to analyze the allelic forms and frequencies that underly hidden diversity within the cannabis gene pool – in other words, to prospect for value on the genetic frontier.”
Harvey noted that Lighthouse continues to support companies industry-wide while maintaining a rigorous data security and protection policy. “Only Lighthouse bioinformaticians have access to our genome database,” Harvey stated. “However, all clients benefit as our database grows. Extensive genotyping by a company such as BC Bud Depot causes the Lighthouse database to become a more precise tool for measuring genetic novelty and expressions of value in the cannabis genome. This partnership is a benefit to all existing and future clients of our company. AREV is contributing to the advancement of cannabis science.”
Mike Withrow, CEO for AREV Brands International, states, “Acquiring of 50% of Lighthouse solidifies our leadership in the field of cannabis genetics. This is a high-magnitude acquisition allowing us to pair BC Bud Depot’s vast genetic reservoir with Lighthouse technologies, to maximum advantage. Our enhanced breeding programs will ensure that BC Bud Depot genetics continue to raise the bar for quality in the industry. We will select our cultivation partners based on their ability to bring out the very best in these strains.”
As previously announced April 11 2019
BC Bud Depot moves to improve the variety and qualities of cannabis strains made available to the medicinal and recreational markets by Licensed Producers in Canada. BC Bud Depot contracted Lighthouse to conduct Whole Genome Sequencing on the first ten select BC Bud Depot cultivars. Lighthouse has provided BC Bud Depot extensive consulting and two forms of reporting: a Genetic Assets Overview (now known as the Genetic Assets Population Report) providing oversight to the entire tested BC Bud Depot gene pool, and a Genovar Report for each individual plant sequenced.
As previously announced in May 2019
Lighthouse has issued certification documents to BC Bud Depot for the master plants of 10 genovars, clone groups that share the common genome of the individual plant tested in the certification process. The BC Bud Depot genovars are elite lineages selected for traits desirable in master breeding stock used for producing seeds and new cannabis varieties.
For further information, contact Mike Withrow, mike@arevbrands.com
On behalf of the Board,
Mike Withrow
CEO & Director