The European industrial hemp and cannabis group SYNBIOTIC SE (ISINDE000A3E5A59 | WKN A3E5A5) announced a strategic partnership with GOC NEXUSOPERATIONS GmbH on 13 December 2024. This collaboration marks a significantstep in the further development and optimisation of cannabis processing inEurope. As part of this partnership, SYNBIOTIC will make a strategic investmentin GOC NEXUS OPERATIONS GmbH, which will use a globally innovative process forthe microbiological decontamination of cannabis GACP raw materials into EU GMPmedicinal products in Germany.

Microbiological decontamination is currently one of the biggestchallenges for producers of medicinal cannabis. The innovation here lies in theuse of cold plasma, which is already widely used in industry and medicine. Theability to clean surfaces and kill microbes while protecting the targetstructures makes cold plasma a valuable tool in various fields. Due to thecomprehensive IP protection for the cold plasma treatment of cannabis incombination with a worldwide application licence, the parent company GOC NEXUSHolding has exclusive access rights in the field of cannabis processing. Thetechnology combines several advantages regarding the decontamination ofcannabis. It is an effective and environmentally friendly innovation comparedto conventional disinfection methods and will revolutionise the processing ofcannabis in the coming years and represent a new gold standard.

The technology is the first sustainable solution as it does not requirethe use of ionising radiation, heat or chemicals, produces no environmentallyhazardous waste products and uses minimal energy. Cold plasma produces reactivespecies that can effectively kill bacteria, viruses and fungi without damagingthe plant structure. This is particularly important with cannabis, as thequality and integrity of the product is vital to the entourage effect.

Unlike many chemical disinfectants, cold plasma-treated cannabis is freeof chemical residues after treatment. This makes it safer for the environmentand patients.

The process enables fast decontamination processes and therefore shortproduction times. This gentle technology preserves the original organoleptic propertiesof the product, such as taste, smell, structure, colour and effect. The processcan be integrated relatively easily into existing supply chains, which makes itattractive for manufacturers.

The technology was originally adapted in Canada for the processing ofcannabis and has already been tested by numerous Canadian customers. Due to thehigh demand, a centre for the consumer cannabis market has already been set upin Canada and is currently being put into operation. At the same time, thetechnology is being validated at the Laupheim site in Germany by GOC NEXUS OPERATIONS for EU GMP certification, whichwill be completed by mid-2025.

In addition, GOC NEXUS OPERATIONS is already preparing for verticalintegration. To this end, there are plans to supplement contract manufacturingin the area of packaging and market release of pharmaceuticals. Thiscombination will enable GOC NEXUS OPERATIONS to map all processes downstream ofpre-drying for its partner SYNBIOTIC.

"We are very pleased to be working with GOC NEXUS and combining ourstrengths. Our MedCan subsidiaries such as WEECO Pharma can now offer their customersorganoleptically enhanced products while safely meeting pharmaceuticalstandards in terms of microbiology," said Daniel Kruse, Managing Director SYNBIOTIC."This partnership is an important step in our strategy to grow through innovationand collaboration."

"The collaboration with SYNBIOTIC opens up new opportunities andstrengthens our ability to offer first-class services," added Dr DavidSurjo, Managing Director of the GOC NEXUS companies. "We look forward toour joint success and the positive impact this partnership will have forpatients in Germany, enabling us to offer patients premium radiation-freeproducts through reliable supply chains."

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The first production facility is to be built at the new site inLaupheim, which will serve as a blueprint for future global scaling. To thisend, the company has developed a modular concept for the process environmentthat will facilitate future scaling and significantly accelerate theestablishment of new production facilities. Talks are already underway withinternational partners to expand the business model.

About GOC NEXUS OPERATIONS

GOC NEXUS OPERATIONS specialises in the pharmaceutical contractmanufacturing of medicinal cannabis in Germany along the value chain and willin future cover all process steps from pre-drying to market release. It is asubsidiary of GOC NEXUS Holding, which is the licence holder for the coldplasma treatment of cannabis.

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Publisher

SYNBIOTIC SE

Daniel Kruse

Managing Director

Münsterstraße 336

40470 Düsseldorf

Germany

Media Contact

Rüdiger Tillmann

SYNBIOTIC

Public Relations Manager

E-mail ruediger.tillmann@synbiotic.com

Mobile +49 170 9651451

c/o JOLE.group

About SYNBIOTIC

SYNBIOTIC is a publicly listed group of companies in the hemp andcannabis sector with a buy-and-build investment strategy focussed on the EU.

The Group covers the entire value chain from cultivation to productionand retail - from the field to the shelf. The subsidiaries' core businesses areresearch and development, production and the commercialisation of hemp, CBD andcannabis products.

SYNBIOTIC is pursuing a clear pan-European strategy to further expandalong the value chains of its business areas - hemp and CBD, medical cannabisand consumer cannabis - and thus cover the relevant growth markets whileincreasing opportunities for investors through diversification.

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