Experienced hematologist-oncologist to lead strategic and medical oversight of clinical development program

SASKATOON, Saskatchewan--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jul. 15, 2025-- ZYUS Life Sciences Corporation (the “Company”) (TSXV: ZYUS), a clinical-stage life sciences company focused on the development and commercialization of novel non-opioid drug candidates for pain management, today announced the appointment of Dr. Julie Stakiw, MD, FRCPC, to the Company’s leadership team as Chief Medical Officer (“CMO”), effective July 14, 2025.

Dr. Stakiw is a prominent hematologist-oncologist with over two decades of clinical and academic experience based in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, specializing in blood cancers and stem cell transplantation. As CMO, Dr. Stakiw will provide clinical leadership and oversee the scientific integrity of ZYUS’ clinical development program. Her appointment marks a significant step as the Company advances its lead drug product candidate, Trichomylin® softgel capsules, through its pivotal Phase 2 UTOPIA (Unique Treatment of Oncology Pain in Advanced Cancer) trial.

“Dr. Stakiw brings a wealth of clinical expertise and firsthand patient experience in oncology care, which is instrumental as we advance our Phase 2 UTOPIA trial,” said Brent Zettl, President and CEO of ZYUS. “Her strong understanding of research and treatment development will be invaluable in addressing the critical need for effective, non-opioid cancer pain therapies and supporting our commitment to improving patient outcomes.”

“I’m pleased to take on the role of Chief Medical Officer at ZYUS,” said Dr. Julie Stakiw. “ZYUS’ commitment to developing innovative, non-opioid alternatives for cancer pain aligns with my passion for improving patient care. I look forward to contributing my clinical and research experience to support the advancement of the Phase 2 UTOPIA trial and help bring meaningful new options to patients facing cancer pain.”

Dr. Stakiw completed her medical degree and internal medicine residency at the University of Saskatchewan, followed by specialized training in hematology at Queen’s University and a clinical fellowship in lymphoma and stem cell transplantation at Princess Margaret Hospital in Toronto. She has held several key leadership positions including Provincial Leader of Hematology, Medical Director of Saskatchewan’s Blood and Marrow Transplant Program, and Medical Director of the Saskatoon Cancer Clinic. Dr. Stakiw also previously served as Director of Clinical Trials at a regional cancer centre in Ontario and as Director of Patient Research and Innovation for the Saskatchewan Cancer Agency. Known for her patient-centered approach and expertise in managing complex hematologic conditions such as multiple myeloma and leukemia, Dr. Stakiw continues to serve as a Clinical Professor in Hematological Oncology at the University of Saskatchewan while maintaining an active clinical practice. Her extensive clinical and leadership experience will be instrumental in advancing ZYUS’ clinical development program.

Dr. Stakiw succeeds Dr. Lionel Marks de Chabris, who is stepping down as CMO and will continue to provide strategic guidance as Chair of the Clinical Research Advisory Committee. The Company is grateful for Dr. Marks de Chabris’s ongoing leadership and commitment to advancing ZYUS’ mission.

About ZYUS Life Sciences Corporation

ZYUS (TSXV: ZYUS) is a life sciences company focused on the development and commercialization of novel cannabinoid-based pharmaceutical drug candidates for pain management. Through rigorous scientific exploration and clinical research, ZYUS aims to secure intellectual property protection, safeguarding its innovative therapies and bolstering shareholder value. ZYUS’ unwavering commitment extends to obtaining regulatory approval of non-opioid-based pharmaceutical solutions, in pursuit of transformational impact on patients’ lives. For additional information, visit www.zyus.com or follow us on X @ZYUSCorp.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains “forward-looking information” within the meaning of applicable securities laws relating to the Company’s business, the Company’s ability to advance clinical research activities, realize on its objectives and obtain regulatory approval of cannabinoid-based pharmaceutical drug product candidates such as Trichomylin® softgel capsules, introduce products that act as alternatives to current pain management therapies, advance Phase 2 clinical development of Trichomylin® softgel capsules and build shareholder value. Any such forward-looking statements may be identified by words such as “expects”, “anticipates”, “intends”, “contemplates”, “believes”, “projects”, “plans” and similar expressions. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Statements about, among other things, the Company’s business, the Company’s ability to advance clinical research activities, realize on its objectives and obtain regulatory approval of cannabinoid-based pharmaceutical drug product candidates such as Trichomylin® softgel capsules, introduce products that act as alternatives to current pain management therapies, advance Phase 2 clinical development of Trichomylin® softgels, and build shareholder value are all forward-looking information. These statements should not be read as guarantees of future performance or results. Such statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from those implied by such statements. Although such statements are based on management’s reasonable assumptions, there can be no assurance that the Company will be able to advance its clinical research activities and further operations, realize its objectives and obtain regulatory approval of cannabinoid-based pharmaceutical drug product candidates, introduce products that act as alternatives to current pain management therapies or advance Phase 2 clinical development of Trichomylin® softgels. The Company assumes no responsibility to update or revise forward-looking information to reflect new events or circumstances or actual results unless required by applicable law.

Neither the TSXV nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSXV) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release.

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For more information, please contact:

ZYUS Media Inquiries
media@zyus.com
1-833-651-7723

ZYUS Investor Relations
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Source: ZYUS Life Sciences Corporation