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Our Team
At SVG Pharma, we combine clinical insight, regulatory expertise, and operational excellence to create a research environment defined by scientific rigour, ethical oversight, and results-driven outcomes.
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Our experience spans medicinal cannabis, microbiome interventions, mental health treatments, and plant-derived therapeutics, supporting clinical programs from early-phase development to late-stage trials. By integrating advanced technologies and lean operational models, we deliver efficient, insight-driven outcomes for sponsors locally and globally.
Meet Our Leadership
Dr. Christopher Schneider
Principle Investigator
Dr Christopher Schneider is a Canadian-trained Gastroenterologist and Internal Medicine Specialist with extensive experience in hospital and clinical research settings. He brings deep expertise in hepatology, nutrition, endoscopy, and the management of chronic gastrointestinal conditions.
A graduate of the University of Ottawa, Dr Schneider has been instrumental in advancing evidence-based applications of medicinal cannabis within gastroenterology. His collaborations with the Canadian Digestive Health Foundation and National Access Cannabis have helped shape early clinical guidelines, and he has presented research nationally and internationally, including at Australian Gastroenterology Week (AGW).
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As Principal Investigator, Dr Schneider provided full clinical oversight for a real-world evidence and RCT study assessing cannabinoid therapies in IBS — ensuring clinical integrity, patient safety, and scientific validity throughout the trials. The findings contribute to the growing body of evidence supporting regulated access to emerging therapies in clinical practice.
Richard Palesh
Research Director
Richard Palesh is a seasoned leader in Australia’s regulated cannabis industry, combining operational, regulatory and clinical research expertise. In 2018, he co-founded a licensed medicinal cannabis cultivation and manufacturing facility, securing all required ODC licences and TGA GMP certification. The company was acquired in 2022, reflecting its maturity and operational success.
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At SVG Pharmaceuticals, Richard leads research operations and study execution. Working in close collaboration with the Principal Investigator, he has led functions across study design, protocol development, data management, and trial coordination — ensuring that each study meets regulatory standards and delivers high-quality, actionable data.
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Richard partnered with Dr. Christopher Schneider in 2018, resulting in SVG Pharmaceuticals officially founded in 2020, with a goal to support sponsors in advancing plant-based therapeutics through clinical research. His focus is on translating scientific potential into credible, evidence-based outcomes that meet modern medicine standards.