Epsilon secures exclusive global manufacturing role in cannabinoid nanoemulsion platform
Epsilon Healthcare Limited (ASX: EPN) has announced a strategic partnership with Helix Research Australia and Puro New Zealand to establish an integrated, science-led cannabinoid medicine development and manufacturing platform. The partnership designates Epsilon as the exclusive global manufacturing partner for Helix’s proprietary cannabinoid nanoemulsion technology, deployed within Epsilon’s TGA-GMP and Office of Drug Control (ODC) licensed Southport, Queensland facility.
The platform spans the full supply chain: from Good Agricultural and Collection Practices (GACP) compliant cultivation through pharmaceutical formulation and GMP manufacture, and ultimately towards registered cannabinoid medicines via the TGA/Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG) pathway.
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A plant-to-patient supply chain — how the three-party platform works
Each partner contributes a distinct and non-overlapping capability to the platform. Rather than relying on the international movement of finished cannabinoid products, Helix’s proprietary formulation and processing technology will be deployed directly within Epsilon’s Australian GMP manufacturing environment. This model is designed to provide greater control over raw materials, formulation specifications, manufacturing reproducibility and product development as the platform progresses towards clinical and regulatory milestones.
The shared objective across all three parties is a reproducible, evidence-led supply chain connecting cultivation chemistry with pharmaceutical formulation and manufacturing.
The Puro manufacturing agreement announced earlier this year already established a commercial foundation between the two parties, with that AU $6 million, three-year contract validating Epsilon’s GMP export capabilities and providing a revenue baseline ahead of this deeper technology partnership.
| Partner | Core Capability | Role in Platform |
|---|---|---|
| Puro (New Zealand) | GACP-documented outdoor cultivation (approximately 15 hectares, approximately 65,000 plants); live rosin botanical feedstock | Cultivation and botanical feedstock supply |
| Helix Research Australia | Proprietary cannabinoid characterisation, neuropharmacology, formulation science, Helix Nano / UltraShear nanoemulsion technology | Formulation science and advanced delivery technology |
| Epsilon Healthcare (Southport) | TGA-GMP and ODC-licensed manufacturing; pharmaceutical development; regulatory manufacturing | Exclusive global GMP manufacturing, technology transfer, clinical and commercial manufacturing |
Epsilon sits at the manufacturing and pharmaceutical development core of this platform, holding exclusive global manufacturing rights rather than serving as a passive contract manufacturer.
What is cannabinoid nanoemulsion technology — and why does it matter?
A nanoemulsion is a mixture in which one liquid is dispersed throughout another in the form of extremely small droplets. In pharmaceutical applications, the size and uniformity of those droplets matter considerably: smaller, more uniform particles can offer more predictable pharmaceutical performance, a factor that becomes critical when moving cannabinoid products from wellness into regulated medicine.
A key component of the Helix platform is Helix Nano, incorporating UltraShear nanoemulsion technology. Key characteristics of the technology include:
- Droplet size target: approximately 30–40 nanometres
- Key characteristics: reported low polydispersity and extended stability
- Initial product focus: oromucosal cannabinoid spray, leveraging an established regulatory precedent for cannabinoid medicines in Australia
- Regulatory framework: Australian TGA/ARTG registration pathway
Oromucosal delivery refers to administration through the mucosal tissues of the mouth, a route with established regulatory precedent in the Australian cannabinoid medicine context. It is important to note that any therapeutic efficacy, safety and regulatory claims remain subject to appropriate preclinical and clinical studies and regulatory review.
Epsilon’s role in qualifying and manufacturing this technology inside a GMP environment is what the partnership aims to use to transform it from a research concept into a potential registered medicine.
Epsilon’s strategic evolution — from contract manufacturer to platform partner
The announcement frames the partnership as a meaningful strategic evolution for Epsilon. The company is not simply providing manufacturing capacity but is becoming an integral part of the technology platform through equipment qualification, product manufacture, pharmaceutical development and support for clinical and regulatory progression.
Peter Giannopoulos, Managing Director & CEO, Epsilon Healthcare
“We believe the combination of rigorous science, controlled manufacturing and an integrated supply chain has the potential to establish a differentiated platform for cannabinoid medicine development and create a scalable global manufacturing opportunity from Australia.”
Epsilon’s specific responsibilities under the partnership include:
- Qualifying Helix’s bespoke nanoemulsion manufacturing equipment
- Establishing and validating GMP manufacturing processes
- Manufacturing development, clinical and commercial products
- Supporting scale-up and technology transfer
- Contributing pharmaceutical manufacturing expertise to product development
- Supporting progression towards clinical development and, subject to successful development and regulatory review, TGA/ARTG registration
The initial geographic focus is Australia, with the broader objective of establishing a globally scalable cannabinoid medicine manufacturing platform from the Southport facility.
Halal certification for cannabinoid manufacturing, secured by Epsilon’s subsidiary in early 2026, adds a further dimension to the Southport facility’s market reach, positioning the site to service pharmaceutical buyers across Middle Eastern and Southeast Asian markets where GSO/UAE.S 2055-1 compliance is a mandatory entry requirement.
Next steps — seven-stage development roadmap
The parties will now progress the following activities, in order:
- Technology transfer and installation of Helix’s nanoemulsion equipment at Epsilon’s Southport facility
- GMP qualification of equipment and manufacturing processes
- Analytical characterisation of cannabinoid inputs and finished formulations
- Formulation and process optimisation
- GMP manufacture of development and clinical materials
- Progression of appropriate candidates towards clinical trials
- Development of the regulatory pathway towards TGA/ARTG registration
Further announcements will be made as material milestones are achieved, consistent with Epsilon’s continuous disclosure obligations. Each step in this roadmap brings the platform closer to clinical development and potential TGA/ARTG registration, with Epsilon’s Southport facility central to every stage.
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