Rua Bioscience to supply medicinal MDMA to New Zealand market
Friday 9 October 2026 · 2 outlets · 2 reports · updated In this story Medsafe
Gisborne-based Rua Bioscience has signed a deal to import and distribute pharmaceutical-grade MDMA. The company will source the medicine through Toronto-based PharmAla Biotech Holdings. Two psychiatrists have been approved by Medsafe to prescribe the substance for PTSD treatment.
Key facts
4 facts
- Rua Bioscience is a Gisborne-based medicinal cannabis firm.
- Medsafe approved two psychiatrists to prescribe MDMA in early September 2026.
- The MDMA will be supplied by PharmAla Biotech Holdings, a Canadian company.
- The MDMA is intended for treating post-traumatic stress disorder.
The full story
1 min read · 2 outlets
Gisborne-based Rua Bioscience has signed an agreement to import and distribute pharmaceutical-grade MDMA for medical use in New Zealand. The company will source the medicine through Toronto-based PharmAla Biotech Holdings. This follows a Medsafe decision in early September that allowed two New Zealand psychiatrists to prescribe LaNeo MDMA.
The MDMA is intended for use in highly controlled medical settings, such as psychotherapy for post-traumatic stress disorder. Rua Bioscience chief executive Paul Naske stated the move is a “natural extension” of the company's existing medicinal cannabis business. The first shipment of the drug will be provided on a consignment basis to allow for market entry with minimal upfront capital.
Rua Bioscience is also trialling the supply of psilocybin, or magic mushrooms, to treat methamphetamine addiction. While the company is exploring these psychedelic medicines, Naske noted that medicinal cannabis remains their primary focus.
The partnership with PharmAla Biotech aims to provide a reliable, GMP-grade supply for clinicians. The companies will work with Medsafe to finish regulatory and quality requirements before the initial shipment arrives.
Where reports differ
- One report describes Rua Bioscience as a Māori-born biotech business, while the other focuses on its status as a medicinal cannabis firm.
Compiled from reports by The Post and NZ Herald.