Universal Ibogaine Inc (TSX-V:IBO) said it is targeting early October for the re-opening of its Winnipeg addiction treatment facility, the Kelburn Recovery Centre, after it was closed in April due to damage from an on-site sewer backup.
Before repairs could be completed, abnormally high spring rainfall and snow melt runoff resulted in the flooding of the Red River, which forced local road closures but no additional damage to the facility. Repairs are now underway and proceeds to be received under Kelburn's insurance coverage are being finalized.
The company said it has been developing a best-in-class evidence-based holistic addiction recovery program to deliver at the Kelburn facility which, upon Health Canada approval, may involve ibogaine: a plant-derived medicine used in addiction treatment and has been shown to deliver detoxification from opioids, heroin and other substances, and can provide several months free of drug cravings.
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Universal Ibogaine chief clinics officer Ian Rabb said the temporary closure of the facility had given the company the chance to undertake needed updates to the site, as well as continue to enhance its treatment program and its team of clinicians, therapists and healers.
“After eventual completion of Health Canada approval, we intend to also utilize the potential of ibogaine detox therapy in our treatment programs,” Rabb added.
Further, the company highlighted its work to develop a clinical trial application with Health Canada to utilize ibogaine in the treatment of opioid use disorder, which it believes has the potential to greatly enhance global addiction treatment.
Universal Ibogaine’s mission is to transform addiction treatment using medicalized ibogaine through a planned Canadian clinical trial focused on opioid use disorder, and ultimately to utilize that protocol globally through future licensing agreements.
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