Since 2018, the Portuguese government has authorized the industrial production and research of cannabis for medicinal purposes, creating new opportunities for innovation in the healthcare and pharmaceutical sectors. As the national authority responsible for the regulation of medicines and health products, INFARMED grants licences to companies that meet strict quality, safety and compliance requirements for medicinal cannabis production and research and development activities.

Following a rigorous validation and accreditation process, LABFIT – HPRD, Lda. has successfully obtained INFARMED licensing for medicinal cannabis R&D. This milestone reinforces LABFIT’s position as a trusted partner in pharmaceutical research, product development and regulatory compliance, enabling the company to conduct research activities involving controlled substances in accordance with the highest industry standards.

The scope of this licence covers a comprehensive range of scientific and technical activities, including the development and validation of analytical methods, characterization and qualification of cannabis extracts and finished products, microbiological and physicochemical testing, as well as in vitro efficacy and safety assessment studies. These capabilities support the development of innovative health products while ensuring compliance with applicable regulatory requirements.

LABFIT’s expertise is further supported by its Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) recognition and by the approval granted under the SIFIDE Tax Incentive System for Business R&D, awarded by the Portuguese National Innovation Agency. Together, these recognitions demonstrate the company’s commitment to scientific excellence, research quality and innovation in the life sciences sector.

In addition, LABFIT – HPRD, Lda. is an active partner of the HealthTechPortugal test bed network, contributing to the advancement of innovative healthcare solutions. Through its multidisciplinary scientific team, state-of-the-art laboratory infrastructure and extensive experience in product development, analytical testing and regulatory consultancy, LABFIT provides customized support for organizations developing cannabis-based health products, from the early research stages through to market readiness.