Denmark's Stenocare enters the French medical cannabis market

Danish company STENOCARE has announced a strategic partnership with the Institut des Cannabinoïdes Médicaux Français (ICMF) to position itself in the future French medical cannabis market. The two partners have submitted a complete regulatory file for its ASTRUM 10-10 oil to the French health authorities.

The application was filed as part of the national review process that will determine whether cannabis-based medicines can be reimbursed under the future «legalization» of medical cannabis. The review will be conducted by the Haute Autorité de Santé (HAS), the body responsible for evaluating healthcare products, particularly in terms of reimbursement.

ASTRUM 10-10 under evaluation by HAS

With the submission of the ASTRUM 10-10, STENOCARE officially enters the French evaluation procedure for reimbursement. The product, a balanced THC:CBD oil, is now being examined by the French Health Authority (HAS).

The HAS will analyze the clinical and medical data provided by the company before issuing an opinion on possible reimbursement. This opinion will be decisive: without a favorable recommendation, the product will not be reimbursed.

If the product is accepted, it could benefit from the future permanent framework expected in 2026, at the end of the national experiment. According to some estimates, up to 300,000 patients could eventually be involved, subject to strict conditions.

Thomas Skovlund Schnegelsberg, CEO of Stenocare, comments:

«France represents one of the most important markets for the future of medical cannabis in Europe, and our partnership with the ICMF places STENOCARE at the forefront of this major development. The submission of the ASTRUM 10-10 dossier is a key milestone, and we are committed to working closely with the ICMF and the French authorities to ensure that patients have access to safe, reliable and high-quality cannabis-based medicines.»

ICMF on the front line in France

In France, the’ICMF which steers the regulatory process and exchanges with the authorities. The organization brings together profiles from the pharmaceutical industry and international medical cannabis producers. Hugo Heudelot, CEO of the ICMF, explains:

«ICMF exists to transform the French regulatory framework into practical access for patients. France is setting a medical standard, and our application to the HAS is designed to meet this requirement. Because patients don't need promises, they need access.»

The ICMF monitors the dossier and manages the scientific requirements throughout the process.

On the operational front, Movianto, a subsidiary of Yusen Logistics Healthcare, has been chosen to handle distribution in France. The company is licensed to import, store, package and distribute medical cannabis. It already supplies a large pharmaceutical network and handles several million orders a year.

In the event of a positive opinion from the HAS, the logistics chain would be immediately operational to supply pharmacies throughout France.

A strategic bet on the French market

Founded in 2017, Stenocare is already supplying prescription medical cannabis in Denmark and exporting to other international markets. The company highlights its oily platform Astrum as a differentiating factor in a strictly regulated pharmaceutical environment.

By filing its application before the French permanent framework is put in place, Stenocare is seeking to position itself early in a market which could become one of the most structured in Europe.