Argent BioPharma strengthens clinical pipeline and EU reach with AusCann acquisition

• Argent signs binding term sheet to acquire key assets and IP of formerly ASX-listed AusCann Group
• Acquisition includes key Neuvis drug delivery platform, access to EU-GMP manufacturing and German pharma distribution
• Strategic move strengthens Argent’s clinical pipeline and European commercial infrastructure ahead of planned dual US listing

Special Report: Argent BioPharma has signed a binding term sheet to acquire the key assets and intellectual property of formerly ASX-listed AusCann Group in a deal worth around US$15 million. 

The acquisition represents a significant milestone in Argent BioPharma’s (ASX:RGT)  strategy to build a fully integrated, IP-led pharmaceutical platform with a global footprint, complementing its lead products CannEpil and CimetrA.

Argent said it would materially strengthen the company’s balance sheet and increase audited assets, moving it toward meeting key financial and qualitive criteria for a planned dual listing on a US stock exchange.

Auscann’s assets include:

• 100% rights, title, and interest in the Neuvis proprietary SEDDS drug delivery platform and related intellectual property
• 48% shareholding in CannPal Animal Therapeutics
• 19.99% shareholding in ECC Pharm

Under the agreement Argent will issue 25 million ordinary shares at US 60 cents per share (US $15 million) to AusCann in exchange for its core operating asset, subject to shareholder approval.

Following completion of the acquisition AusCann non-executive chairman Andrew Chapman will join the Argent BioPharma board as an executive director.

Chapman brings extensive experience in capital markets and the biotech sector, reinforcing Argent’s core team in pursuit of the US national listing and further development of the company in synergy with the new assets.

The deal is set to complete in Q3 CY25, with integration activities already mapped to support clinical expansion and launch-readiness.

Strategic fit and synergy highlights 

Argent said the acquisition delivered multiple strategic assets that strengthened its clinical and commercial position including:

• Neuvis platform – advanced oral capsule technology providing three to five times higher bioavailability
• CannPal FDA data suite – comprehensive preclinical data, including GLP toxicology, human volunteer pharmacokinetics, and peer-reviewed animal studies, designed to accelerate US regulatory filings, reduce costs and timelines
• EU-GMP Manufacturing (ECC/RH Pharma) – enables in-house API and finished dose production, which is projected to reduce CannEpil and CimetrA cost of goods sold by more than 50%
• German Distribution (MEDTRADIX/CANNAPORT) – immediate access to more than 3000 pharmacies, EU-wide qualified person (QP) batch release, and established bonded logistics infrastructure
• Non-dilutive upside potential – shareholding positions company to benefit from additional cash flows, plus potential proceeds from CannPal’s veterinary partnerships and dividends from ECC operations ahead of proposed US dual listing

Strengthening Argent’s core pipeline for global expansion

Argent managing director and CEO Roby Zomer said the transaction brought together clinically validated IP, EU commercial infrastructure, and manufacturing scale under one platform.

“We are building a capital-efficient engine to deliver next-generation formulations of CannEpil and CimetrA at scale, with speed, and with enduring IP protection,” he said.

“It positions Argent to expand globally while strengthening our core pipeline.”

Chapman said he knew the AusCann assets well and had seen first-hand the value they unlock.

“From IP to revenue to regulatory readiness, this is a strategic acquisition that accelerates Argent’s pathway to a successful dual national listing in the US,” he said.

This article was developed in collaboration with Argent BioPharma, a Stockhead advertiser at the time of publishing.

This article does not constitute financial product advice. You should consider obtaining independent advice before making any financial decisions.