Optimi Health Natural Psilocybin Extraction Breakthrough Submitted for Provisional Patent Application

—Company utilizes green chemistry to stabilize natural product with higher yields

VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Oct. 05, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Optimi Health Corp. (CSE: OPTI) (OTCQB: OPTHF) (FRA: 8BN) (“Optimi” or the “Company”), developers of a vertically integrated functional mushroom brand focused on the health and wellness sector, is pleased to advise of a recent patent filing pertaining to a breakthrough process that facilitates the extraction of the natural products Psilocybin and Psilocin from mushrooms at higher yields than previously possible.

The instability of Psilocybin and Psilocin has historically been a difficult problem to solve. Compared to the total alkaloid content believed to be in mushrooms, analytical chemistry studies have shown a 3-fold decrease in the total alkaloid content when the alkaloids are extracted from mushrooms that have been subjected to dehydration. Optimi has discovered a novel, high yielding extraction technique by combining multiple process steps that collectively increase the total yield of alkaloids retrieved from the mushrooms.
Many companies in the sector frequently use synthetic Psilocybin due to the instability of Psilocin which has been shown to degrade due to its phenolic hydroxy group. Optimi’s unique extraction technique not only increases overall alkaloid yield, but also protects the active alkaloids from degradation. Optimi Health Chief Scientific Officer, Justin Kirkland notes, “I find the compounds produced by these mushrooms as quite precious and am delighted to have developed a procedure that maintains their integrity.”

This innovative molecular protection process is believed to increase the bioavailability and permeability of the active components of the mushroom. In keeping with Optimi Health’s commitment to sustainability and the environment, the proprietary process protected in the patent filing extensively utilizes green chemistry. Additionally, the process aids in lowering the cost of the final drug product for the patient as well as creating improved manufacturing efficiencies and improved safety characteristics related to farm operations. 
    
Optimi Health CEO Bill Ciprick states, “Today’s announcement reflects our determination to advance the innovation of all-natural mushroom science. We’ve achieved a singular achievement which will ultimately enable future patients the ability to select a superior, natural solution for their needs. The fact our process is both cost-effective and offers higher yields is, of course, a potentially significant commercial factor for us. We are looking forward to implementing these improved procedures as the construction of our mushroom farm facilities nears completion and are excited to continue to develop our inhouse IP portfolio to bring added value to our venture and ultimately to our shareholders.”

On Behalf of the Board of Directors,

Bill Ciprick
Chief Executive Officer
Optimi Health Corp.

ABOUT OPTIMI (CSE: OPTI) (OTCQB: OPTHF) (FRA: 8BN)
Optimi is developing a sophisticated mushroom brand that focuses on the health and wellness markets. With a vertically integrated approach, Optimi intends to cultivate, extract, process and distribute high quality functional mushroom products at its two facilities comprising a total of 20,000 square feet nearing completion in Princeton, British Columbia. To fully investigate the science of mushrooms, the Company has received a research exemption under Health Canada Food and Drug Regulations (FDR) for the use of Psilocybin and Psilocin for scientific purposes via its wholly owned subsidiary Optimi Labs Inc. Optimi has also applied for a dealer’s license under Canada’s Narcotic Control Regulations governing possession, distribution, sale, laboratory analysis of and research and development of Psilocybin and Psilocin formulations. Optimi is committed to expert cultivation and quality production subject to and in accordance with the terms of all applicable laws and governing regulations to ensure safe, superior Canadian fungi production. Find out more at: https://optimihealth.ca/.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Investor Relations
Email: investors@optimihealth.ca
Phone: +1 (778) 930-1321
Web: https://optimihealth.ca/

FORWARD‐LOOKING STATEMENTS
This news release contains forward‐looking statements and forward‐looking information within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation (collectively, “forward‐looking statements”) that relate to Optimi’s current expectations and views of future events. Any statements that express, or involve discussions as to, expectations, beliefs, plans, objectives, assumptions or future events or performance (often, but not always, through the use of words or phrases such as “will likely result,” “are expected to,” “expects,” “will continue,” “is anticipated,” “anticipates,” “believes,” “estimated,” “intends,” “plans,” “forecast,” “projection,” “strategy,” “objective,” and “outlook”) are not historical facts and may be forward‐looking statements and may involve estimates, assumptions and uncertainties which could cause actual results or outcomes to differ materially from those expressed in such forward‐looking statements. No assurance can be given that these expectations will prove to be correct and such forward‐looking statements included in this news release should not be unduly relied upon. These statements speak only as of the date of this news release. In particular and without limitation, this news release contains forward‐looking statements pertaining to the Company’s potential Nasdaq listing, the dealer’s license application, activities proposed to be conducted under the Company’s research exemption and associated business related to Psilocybin and Psilocin and Optimi’s plans, focus and objectives.

Forward‐looking statements are based on a number of assumptions and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond Optimi’s control, which could cause actual results and events to differ materially from those that are disclosed in or implied by such forward‐looking statements. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the impact and progression of the COVID‐19 pandemic and other factors set forth under “Forward‐Looking Statements” and “Risk Factors” in the Company’s Final Prospectus dated February 12, 2021. Optimi undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward‐looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required by law. New factors emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for Optimi to predict all of them or assess the impact of each such factor or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause results to differ materially from those contained in any forward‐looking statement. Any forward‐looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement.

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