FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., July 7, 2026
Splash Beverage Group, Inc. has announced the acquisition of exclusive global licensing rights to CannEpil®, a pharmaceutical-grade cannabinoid-based investigational therapy for drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE), from Argent BioPharma Limited, marking a significant strategic expansion into the specialty neurology and biopharmaceutical markets. The agreement grants Splash exclusive worldwide rights to develop, commercialize, market, distribute, sublicense, and sell CannEpil® for drug-resistant epilepsy, refractory epilepsy, seizure disorders, and related neurological conditions. Already approved for patient access in Ireland, the United Kingdom, Germany, and Australia, CannEpil is manufactured under European Union Good Manufacturing Practice (EU-GMP) standards and has established reimbursement-supported access in several international markets. The therapy has also initiated pre-Investigational New Drug (pre-IND) engagement with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), providing a foundation for future U.S. clinical development. The transaction represents a major milestone for Splash Beverage Group as it advances its strategy of building a diversified cannabinoid-based biopharmaceutical platform focused on addressing significant unmet medical needs.
CannEpil Strengthens Global Neurology Development Strategy
CannEpil is being developed to address drug-resistant epilepsy, a condition affecting approximately 30% of epilepsy patients worldwide, many of whom continue to experience uncontrolled seizures despite currently available treatments. Unlike early-stage development programs, CannEpil already benefits from real-world clinical experience, established physician utilization, and regulated patient-access pathways across multiple international healthcare systems. The therapy has achieved important commercial milestones through Ireland’s Medicinal Cannabis Access Program (MCAP), reimbursement support from the Health Service Executive (HSE), and specialist treatment pathways in the United Kingdom.
According to Brady Cobb, Interim Chief Executive Officer of Splash Beverage Group, CannEpil offers a unique opportunity by combining existing international patient access, regulatory progress, and strong commercial potential within one of the fastest-growing specialty neurology markets. The program’s existing FDA pre-IND engagement further strengthens its future regulatory pathway toward U.S. clinical development.
Strategic Investment Supports FDA and Commercial Expansion
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To accelerate development, Splash Beverage Group has also secured a $1 million strategic investment commitment from C/M Capital Partners, which will support FDA regulatory activities, clinical development planning, commercialization initiatives, expansion of real-world evidence, and collaboration with leading U.S. epilepsy investigators. Under the licensing agreement, Splash receives exclusive worldwide commercialization rights for an initial 20-year term, including rights to future product improvements, reformulations, and next-generation developments. As part of the transaction, Mercer Street Global Opportunity Fund agreed to forgive approximately $5 million of Argent BioPharma debt, while Splash will issue $5.5 million in preferred equity as consideration for the global license. Argent BioPharma will continue participating in the long-term success of the program through a 15% royalty on worldwide net sales.
With millions of patients worldwide continuing to face limited treatment options for drug-resistant epilepsy, the acquisition positions Splash Beverage Group to expand its presence in the global biopharmaceutical sector while advancing an investigational therapy that combines established international clinical utilization, regulatory momentum, pharmaceutical-grade manufacturing, and significant commercial potential. The agreement also highlights growing investment in cannabinoid-based therapeutics for neurological disorders and reinforces ongoing innovation aimed at improving outcomes for patients with severe epilepsy and other difficult-to-treat neurological conditions.
Source: Splash Beverage Group, Argent BioPharma press release
