Rua partners with Curaleaf Laboratories for UK distribution

Rua Bioscience announces Curaleaf Laboratories as UK distribution partner TAIRĀWHITI, New Zealand – Rua Bioscience Limited (NZX: RUA) (“Rue”) is pleased to confirm that Curaleaf Laboratories is the UK partner with which Rua has signed a sales and distribution agreement for its New Zealand-grown medicinal cannabis products. Curaleaf Laboratories is one of the UK-leading experts in manufacturing and distribution of EU-GMP medical cannabis, with a MHRA-approved medical cannabis manufacturing facility and a comprehensive quality management system. Part of Curaleaf International since 2019, Curaleaf Laboratories has evolved from an established specials medicines manufacturer with over a decade of expertise in unlicensed medicines. With that experience, Curaleaf Laboratories is widening access to prescribers, clinics and pharmacies all across the UK. The partnership represents an important step in Rua’s international growth strategy and provides the Company with an established route into one of the fastest-growing medical cannabis markets within the European region. Rather than build its own infrastructure in each market, Rua partners with established operators with the capabilities and market access to support international growth. In the UK, Curaleaf Laboratories brings the scale with manufacturing, pharmacy and clinical capabilities, while Rua brings unique Tairāwhiti genetics and New Zealand-grown products. Paul Naske, Chief Executive Officer of Rua Bioscience said “We are delighted to be able to work with Curaleaf Laboratories as our UK distribution partner. Curaleaf Laboratories has an established presence across the UK medicinal cannabis market, and its manufacturing and pharmacy capabilities provide a strong platform for Rua to bring our New Zealand products and unique story to their patients.” Establishing this early foothold in the UK builds on Rua's presence within Europe and reinforces its partner-led international business model. By working with established operators in target markets, Rua can extend its international reach while avoiding the significant capital investment required to build market infrastructure itself. Importantly, it also supports Rua's purpose of creating an intergenerational company for the benefit of the community and shareholders. ENDS The person who authorised this announcement: Paul Naske Chief Executive Officer paul.naske@ruabio.com +64 21 445154