Forum Radio: Melissa Sturgess

In the week in which it was announced that Ananda Pharma has received MHRA and NHS Ethics approval for ENDOCAN-1, their Phase 2 clinical trial testing MRX1 CBD oral solution for endometriosis-associated pain (afflicting 190 million women worldwide), we are delighted to have this interview with the co-founder and CEO, Melissa Sturgess. 

Ananda Pharma has not only been taking CBD oil through a standard drug development regulatory approval pathway, they have also been working hard to explain the myths that surround its ancient, natural and mysterious (to many) properties. The journey to this point has already taken huge investment over several years, but Melissa is driven not only by the belief that they can succeed but by the lives they know they can change with that success. 

This interview is a fascinating insight into what it takes to enter the pharmacological industry, the regulatory challenges, the risks that must be borne and the mettle that is needed! As Melissa says: 'The key thing is focus, focus, focus, because you can talk and dream about the big opportunity as much as you like, but you get to that dream by being massively focused in the short term. And that's what we're all about.'

This episode was edited by Vanessa Heaney. 

Music by Alex Vickers