Wednesday 8 March 2017

Vitality Biopharma to Present at SeeThruEquity 3rd Annual Innovations Investor Conference in Miami

LOS ANGELES, CA–(Feb 16, 2017) – Vitality Biopharma, Inc. (OTCQB: VBIO) (“Vitality Biopharma,” “Vitality,” or the “Company”) a corporation dedicated to the development of cannabinoid prodrug pharmaceuticals, and to unlocking the power of cannabinoids for the treatment of serious neurological and inflammatory disorders, is pleased to advise there will be a corporate presentation at the SeeThruEquity 3rd Annual Innovations Investor Conference to be held on Wednesday, February 22nd at the W Hotel, in South Beach, Miami.
Company CEO Robert Brooke will provide a 30-minute overview of Vitality Biopharma’s business during his presentation and will be available to participate in one-on-one meetings with scheduled investors.
Event: SeeThruEquity 3rd Annual Innovations Investor Conference
Date: Wednesday, February 22, 2017
Time: 9:30 am Eastern
Location: W Hotel, 2201 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, FL, 33139

Investors and other interested parties will be able to view a webcast of the presentation by visiting
http://wsw.com/webcast/seethru18/vbio for up to 120 days after the event. To review a printable copy of the presentation itself, please visit the investor's section of the Vitality Biopharma website at http://vitality.bio/investors/presentation.
About Vitality Biopharma (OTCQB: VBIO):
Vitality Biopharma is dedicated to unlocking the power of cannabinoids for the treatment of serious neurological and inflammatory disorders. For more information, visit: www.vitality.bio. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.
Notice Regarding Forward-Looking Statements:

This news release contains “forward-looking statements” as that term is defined in Section 27(a) of the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended and Section 21(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Statements in this press release which are not purely historical are forward-looking statements and include any statements regarding beliefs, plans, expectations or intentions regarding the future. Such factors include, among others, the inherent uncertainties associated with new projects and development stage companies. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this news release, and we assume no obligation to update the forward-looking statements or to update the reasons why actual results could differ from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Although we believe that any beliefs, plans, expectations and intentions contained in this press release are reasonable, there can be no assurance that any such beliefs, plans, expectations or intentions will prove to be accurate. Investors should consult all of the information set forth herein and should also refer to the risk factors disclosure outlined in our annual report on Form 10-K for the most recent fiscal year, our quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and other periodic reports filed from time-to-time with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Monday 6 March 2017

Vitality Biopharma Announces Proprietary THC Pharmaceutical with Greatly Decreased Psychoactivity

Newly developed compounds limit psychoactivity and cognitive impairment and may be especially useful for pediatric applications

LOS ANGELES, CA–(Mar 2, 2017) – Vitality Biopharma, Inc. (OTCQB: VBIO) (“Vitality” or the “Company”), a corporation dedicated to the development of cannabinoid prodrug pharmaceuticals and to unlocking the power of cannabinoids for the treatment of serious neurological and inflammatory disorders, today announced that it has created a library of proprietary glycosides of THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol), the main psychoactive chemical found in cannabis or marijuana, which enable targeted delivery that reduces or eliminates psychoactivity when used in oral drug formulations.

These compounds are being developed as pharmaceuticals that enable site-specific targeting of the THC in various tissues of the body, where it can exert therapeutic effects for treatment of pain and inflammation. In December, Vitality obtained DEA approval for its research and development facilities located in California, and it has now completed preclinical pharmacokinetics studies with its proprietary THC glycosides to analyze their bioavailability. The Company has confirmed that large concentrations can be delivered orally without significant transit of THC to the brain, enabling their formulation within pharmaceuticals where drug psychoactivity will be reduced or eliminated.

“This new drug opens up novel opportunities for treatment of pain and inflammation,” said Dr. Brandon Zipp, Director of R&D at Vitality. “We can now exploit the cannabinoid receptor system without systemic THC that compromises cognitive function.” Robert Brooke, CEO of Vitality, adds that, “It is THC without the high and could be a game changer, especially for treatment of indications like Crohn’s disease and for use in children.”

About Vitality Biopharma (OTCQB: VBIO)

Vitality Biopharma is dedicated to unlocking the power of cannabinoids for the treatment of serious neurological and inflammatory disorders. For more information, visit: www.vitality.bio. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.

Notice Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains “forward-looking statements” as that term is defined in Section 27(a) of the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended and Section 21(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Statements in this press release which are not purely historical are forward-looking statements and include any statements regarding beliefs, plans, expectations or intentions regarding the future. Such factors include, among others, the inherent uncertainties associated with new projects and development stage companies. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this news release, and we assume no obligation to update the forward-looking statements, or to update the reasons why actual results could differ from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Although we believe that any beliefs, plans, expectations and intentions contained in this press release are reasonable, there can be no assurance that any such beliefs, plans, expectations or intentions will prove to be accurate. Investors should consult all of the information set forth herein and should also refer to the risk factors disclosure outlined in our annual report on Form 10-K for the most recent fiscal year, our quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and other periodic reports filed from time-to-time with the Securities and Exchange Commission.



Friday 10 February 2017

Vitality Biopharma Publishes Scientific Data on Discovery of Cannabinoid Glycosides

Cannabinoid pharmaceuticals now in development for inflammatory bowel disease and narcotic bowel syndrome, a severe form of opiate-induced abdominal pain
LOS ANGELES, CA – (February 1, 2017) — Vitality Biopharma, Inc. (OTCQB: VBIO) (“Vitality Biopharma”, “Vitality”, or the “Company”) a corporation dedicated to the development of cannabinoid prodrug pharmaceuticals, and to unlocking the power of cannabinoids for the treatment of serious neurological and inflammatory disorders, today announced the publication of a scientific manuscript that details internal research efforts including the discovery and production of cannabinoid glycosides.
The scientific manuscript is titled, “Cannabinoid glycosides: In vitro production of a new class of cannabinoids with improved physicochemical properties,” which details the scientific pathway undertaken by the Company’s research and development team towards the discovery of a multifunctional plant enzyme from Stevia rebaudiana, as well as an ability to produce a diverse class of cannabinoid compounds known as cannabinoid glycosides, or cannabosides.  The manuscript has been published through bioRxiv’s Biochemistry section on New Results, which focuses on advances in life sciences research. The full manuscript can be found here: http://biorxiv.org/content/early/2017/01/30/104349.
Small molecule glycosylation is increasingly recognized within the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries as a reliable means to alter the solubility and stability of drug compounds.  Glycosylation may enable prodrug development strategies that extend patent life, improve the bioavailability of existing medications, and reduce side effects through targeted drug delivery.
Traditionally, most pharmaceutical companies employ chemical synthesis methods, but chemical glycosylation is often ineffective due to the need for complex multistep synthetic routes that deliver inadequate yields.  In 2013, Vitality Biopharma initiated a research program to overcome this key hurdle, and developed efficient means of glycosylation through enzymatic biosynthesis.  In late 2015 and 2016, Vitality scientists applied this technology towards cannabinoids, including cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), creating a new class of cannabinoid glycosides called “cannabosides.”
Vitality has already filed for intellectual property covering the subject matter described in this work, including composition of matter claims for more than 20 cannabinoid glycoside compounds.  Cannabosides are now being developed as pharmaceuticals for the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease and narcotic bowel syndrome, a severe form of opiate-induced abdominal pain.
About Vitality Biopharma (OTCQB: VBIO)
Vitality Biopharma is dedicated to unlocking the power of cannabinoids for the treatment of serious neurological and inflammatory disorders. For more information, visit: www.vitality.bio. Follow us on FacebookTwitter and LinkedIn.

Notice Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This news release contains “forward-looking statements” as that term is defined in Section 27(a) of the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended and Section 21(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Statements in this press release which are not purely historical are forward-looking statements and include any statements regarding beliefs, plans, expectations or intentions regarding the future. Such factors include, among others, the inherent uncertainties associated with new projects and development stage companies. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this news release, and we assume no obligation to update the forward-looking statements, or to update the reasons why actual results could differ from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Although we believe that any beliefs, plans, expectations and intentions contained in this press release are reasonable, there can be no assurance that any such beliefs, plans, expectations or intentions will prove to be accurate. Investors should consult all of the information set forth herein and should also refer to the risk factors disclosure outlined in our annual report on Form 10-K for the most recent fiscal year, our quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and other periodic reports filed from time-to-time with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Resources: http://vitality.bio/2017/02/vitality-biopharma-publishes-scientific-data-discovery-cannabinoid-glycosides/

Vitality Biopharma to Present at Biotech Showcase 2017

LOS ANGELES, CA–(Jan 9, 2017) – Vitality Biopharma, Inc. (OTCQB: VBIO) (“Vitality Biopharma,” “Vitality,” or the “Company”) a corporation dedicated to the development of cannabinoid prodrug pharmaceuticals, and to unlocking the power of cannabinoids for the treatment of serious neurological and inflammatory disorders, today announced that it will present at the Ninth Annual Biotech Showcase 2017 Conference, on January 11, at the Hilton San Francisco Union Square.
Company CEO Robert Brooke will provide a 30-minute overview of Vitality Biopharma’s business during his presentation and will be available to participate in one-on-one meetings with registered attendees.
Event: Biotech Showcase Conference
Date: Wednesday, January 11, 2017
Time: 8:00 a.m. PT
Track: Room 8 (Ballroom Level)
Location: Hilton San Francisco Union Square, San Francisco, CA

Investors and other interested parties will be able to access a copy of the presentation by visiting the investors section of the Vitality Biopharma website at http://vitality.bio/investors/presentation.
About Biotech Showcase 2017:
Biotech Showcase™ is an investor and partnering conference devoted to providing private and public biotechnology and life sciences companies with an opportunity to present to, and meet with, investors and pharmaceutical executives in one place during the course of one of the industry’s largest annual healthcare investor conferences.
About Vitality Biopharma (OTCQB: VBIO):
Vitality Biopharma is dedicated to unlocking the power of cannabinoids for the treatment of serious neurological and inflammatory disorders. For more information, visit: www.vitality.bio. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.
Notice Regarding Forward-Looking Statements:
This news release contains “forward-looking statements” as that term is defined in Section 27(a) of the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended and Section 21(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Statements in this press release which are not purely historical are forward-looking statements and include any statements regarding beliefs, plans, expectations or intentions regarding the future. Such factors include, among others, the inherent uncertainties associated with new projects and development stage companies. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this news release, and we assume no obligation to update the forward-looking statements, or to update the reasons why actual results could differ from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Although we believe that any beliefs, plans, expectations and intentions contained in this press release are reasonable, there can be no assurance that any such beliefs, plans, expectations or intentions will prove to be accurate. Investors should consult all of the information set forth herein and should also refer to the risk factors disclosure outlined in our annual report on Form 10-K for the most recent fiscal year, our quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and other periodic reports filed from time-to-time with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Resources: http://vitality.bio/2017/01/vitality-biopharma-present-biotech-showcase-2017/

Monday 9 January 2017

The Impact of Elections on Cannabinoid Pharmaceuticals for Epilepsy, IBD, and Opiate Addiction

Cannabinoid drugs are already in late-stage development in the U.S., with some on the cusp of FDA approval.  As a California-based company operating within this industry, which is regulated by the FDA and DEA, we recognize that regulatory changes are likely to occur, especially in an election year.   I’ll describe briefly what is likely to change next Tuesday on Election Day, then look at how it will impact our company as well the ability of patients and physicians to access treatment.
First of all, it’s clear the trend towards state legalization is continuing.  There are five additional states that have legalization on the ballot, including the nation’s most populous, California.  Our state may approve recreational marijuana, and this could represent a tipping point nationwide.  Secondly, of course the actions of a new President could alter the drug development landscape as well, but more on that later.
When legalization occurs in a state, it can become a hotbed of clinical research.  The state of Colorado for instance has funded $9 million in clinical trials of cannabinoids, including the CANDID trial, a study of the effects of cannabis on 160 pediatric inflammatory bowel disease (“IBD”) patients.  As a result, new data on the safety and efficacy of cannabinoids emerges, which can really help pharma companies like us that are delivering targeted effects in pill form.  Medical marijuana acts as a proxy for cannabinoid drugs, and so this emerging data can help guide us towards rapid approval of effective cannabinoid medicines.  In cases like ours, at Vitality Biopharma, where we’re also developing a site-specific pharmaceutical, it also means that any therapeutic effects that can be attained with medical marijuana, we could amplify and do even better.  So, for us, in short, the more legalization the better.
When it’s approved for recreational use, as is being considered in California, clinical use becomes even easier because all friction is removed for patients that wish to obtain these medications.  California is a state that is 7 times larger than Colorado, so instead of 160 IBD patients experimenting with cannabinoids as a treatment, it’s not hard to imagine hundreds or even thousands of patients in California could soon be doing the same.
The interest and excitement that is occurring within the IBD community with cannabinoids is very similar to what occurred over the last several years with pediatric epilepsy.  Early reports from those states which legalized medical marijuana led to a dramatic reevaluation by the medical community about the utility of CBD for epilepsy.  The therapeutic results became impossible to ignore when it was being used to treat kids with drug-resistant seizures, a devastating condition where there are no other alternatives.  There was initial skepticism about these early success stories, but it quickly faded away when the results were replicated in large, randomized clinical trials.  Now, here we are, where a company is on the cusp of drug approval for this indication, and FDA-approved CBD could become available for the first time.
As I’ve noted previously, widespread testing of cannabinoids will also enable new treatments for prevention of opiate abuse and treatment of opiate addiction.  Initial results indicate that cannabinoids could help both reduce opiate use in the first place, and also provide treatment for withdrawal and preventing relapse.  So as a company our discovery work in this area is geared towards identifying how cannabinoids can be best applied to this epidemic, and how these benefits can be delivered in pill form.
Turning back to the presidential election, a choice between two tough-on-drug candidates means that no matter who wins it isn’t likely that the regulatory power of the DEA or FDA will erode significantly.  As a result, at the federal level, it appears an FDA-approved pharmaceutical will remain the only legal way to deliver the therapeutic benefits of cannabinoids nationwide. We don’t have any issue with this approach (our team is built for the task), and we simply hope we can continue to move ahead quickly.
One significant impact of Hillary Clinton’s election would be an acceleration of new treatments for opiate addiction.  She’s already announced a $10 billion initiative, and her family foundation has a track record on this issue, as they’ve been funding efforts to curb prescription drug abuse through the Clinton Health Matters Initiative.  Given that no clear solutions exists currently, and that cannabinoids represent a promising alternative, you’re likely to hear much more about this in late 2016 and into 2017.

Sunday 8 January 2017

Vitality Biopharma Receives DEA Approval for Cannabinoid Pharma Development Facility

Approval of cannaboside pharmaceutical research included review by FDA and California Research Advisory Panel
LOS ANGELES, CA–(Dec 21, 2016) – Vitality Biopharma, Inc. (OTCQB: VBIO) (“Vitality Biopharma,” “Vitality,” or the “Company”), a corporation dedicated to the development of cannabinoid prodrug pharmaceuticals, and to unlocking the power of cannabinoids for the treatment of serious neurological and inflammatory disorders, today announced that it has received approval from both the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) and the State of California Research Advisory Panel which permits the Company to scale up activities at its facilities used for the development of novel cannabinoid pharmaceutical prodrugs.
Vitality has been working with the DEA to ensure adequate on-site measures are in place to prevent diversion of Schedule I controlled substances. As a component of this process, Vitality’s preclinical studies for its proprietary prodrugs of CBD and THC were reviewed and approved by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA). The California Research Advisory Panel, a part of the California Attorney General’s Office, has also granted Vitality a research permit to conduct cannabinoid pharmaceutical development activities that are designed to enable regulatory approval of first-in-man clinical trials.
Despite cannabis attaining legal status within the State of California and in many other states across the U.S. for medical and recreational purposes, pharmaceutical research and development continues to be closely regulated by the DEA and FDA. Vitality’s work is focused on developing a novel class of THC and CBD prodrugs that reduce or avoid psychoactive side effects through targeted prodrug technology.
We are excited to scale up our research and to aggressively pursue clinical testing of our compounds and this approval green light that work, said Dr. Brandon Zipp, Director of R&D, and Scientific Co-founder of Vitality Biopharma. Robert Brooke, the Company’s CEO, further states that, “There are surprisingly few companies in the United States that are properly licensed and developing differentiated cannabinoid pharmaceutical products. We are very proud of our team’s work to enable this milestone, and believe that recent discoveries have provided us with a very unique opportunity.”
About Vitality Biopharma (OTCQB: VBIO)
Vitality Biopharma is dedicated to unlocking the power of cannabinoids for the treatment of serious neurological and inflammatory disorders. For more information, visit: www.vitality.bio. Follow us on FacebookTwitter and LinkedIn.
Notice Regarding Forward-Looking Statements:
This news release contains “forward-looking statements” as that term is defined in Section 27(a) of the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended and Section 21(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Statements in this press release which are not purely historical are forward-looking statements and include any statements regarding beliefs, plans, expectations or intentions regarding the future. Such factors include, among others, the inherent uncertainties associated with new projects and development stage companies. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this news release, and we assume no obligation to update the forward-looking statements, or to update the reasons why actual results could differ from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Although we believe that any beliefs, plans, expectations and intentions contained in this press release are reasonable, there can be no assurance that any such beliefs, plans, expectations or intentions will prove to be accurate. Investors should consult all of the information set forth herein and should also refer to the risk factors disclosure outlined in our annual report on Form 10-K for the most recent fiscal year, our quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and other periodic reports filed from time-to-time with the Securities and Exchange Commission.