Cannabix Technologies Achieves THC Breath Capture Milestone, Comments on Patent Portfolio

Vancouver, British Columbia, July 24, 2019 -- Cannabix Technologies Inc. (CSE: BLO) (OTC PINK: BLOZF) (the “Company or Cannabix”) developer of the Cannabix Marijuana Breathalyzer for law enforcement and the workplace, is pleased to report that Company scientists have developed proprietary methods resulting in the achievement of the highest ∆9-tetrahydrocannabinol (“THC”) detection levels collected from human breath to date.  Over the last several months, Company scientists have studied the unique chemical interactions of THC and cannabinoids in breath, and developed and evaluated novel methods to efficiently and practically capture and ionize THC and cannabinoid analytes collected from several different subjects.   These analytes are typically found in extremely low quantities due to their relatively low volatilities, requiring an efficient sampling method.  The Company’s newly developed methods and technologies for sample capture are an important milestone and represent a significant advancement in the field of human breath studies. These novel capture methods could have implications for both point-of-care and lab-based instruments that would provide real-time results from breath samples, targeting analytes of a wide range of volatilities. The Company continues to expeditiously conduct trial testing to evaluate the sensitivity and accuracy of the instrument and to collect data to determine variance among test subjects at its Vancouver and Florida development facilities using its FAIMS (field asymmetric waveform ion mobility spectrometry) THC detection device.
 
Growing Patent Portfolio
 
The Company’s patent portfolio includes an exclusive worldwide license of University of Florida (“UF”) US Patent 8,237,118 in the area of breath analysis of controlled substances using Partial Ovoidal FAIMS Electrode (high field asymmetric waveform ion mobility spectrometry). Additionally, the Company has licensed patent pending technology from UF (US 16/082220) relating to using FAIMS detection, and has filed its own patent applications commencing in 2015.
 
The Company’s technology has significantly progressed since its original filings, and improvements have been made to every aspect of the instrument (in particular related to Company’s originally filed US and Canadian patent application Nos. 14/689434 and 2887841).  New intellectual property and trade secrets have been developed that will ultimately supersede earlier patent applications. The Company’s intellectual property is growing and additional patent applications will be filed in due course.  Additional applications that are already pending include Canadian and US applications directed to an intercept system (ignition interlock device) for controlled substances (Nos. 3041860 and 16/344578).
 
An ignition interlock device requires a driver to blow into an installed device confirming the driver is not impaired before the vehicle will start. Many countries are requiring an ignition interlock device as a condition for drivers convicted of driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs, especially repeat offenders.
 
The Company routinely receives official correspondence related to its pending patent applications from Canadian and US Patent and Trademark Offices. Such correspondence requires a formal response from the Company to refine the application to address any objections raised by the offices.  Such official correspondence can be expected by the Company as it is normal for patents to be initially refused (even a few times) by the patent office. The Company is entitled to submit arguments and/or amend its claims in order to address the Examiner’s reasons for rejection to secure grant of a patent. As usual, Company patent lawyers review the merits of the Patent Office’s comments and prepare and file responses as required.