FTSE 100 Live: Blue-chip shares near record as inflation pressures ease

LIVE – Updated at 07:35 Record-breaking territory for the FTSE 100 index continues to be in focus after a better-than-expected start to the year for London

shares. The blue-chip index opened the week just 33 points off its all-time closing level, having rallied by more than 5% so far in 2023. It is expected to open slightly

higher today. The improved performance reflects declining rates of inflation in the US and the eurozone, as well as encouragement from recent corporate trading updates.

Celadon Pharmaceuticals becomes first high-THC medical cannabis maker in the UK to pass regulatory hurdle 07:35 , Simon Hunt

Celadon Pharmaceuticals becomes first high-THC medical cannabis maker in the UK to pass a regulatory hurdle after it was granted a Good Manufacturing Practice (“GMP”)

registration by the UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency. In the UK currently, patients prescribed medicinal cannabis are reliant on imported product,

often facing lengthy delays and high costs. James Short, Chief Executive Officer of Celadon said: “With the receipt of GMP registration, Celadon has joined a very select

group of cannabis-focused pharmaceutical companies globally. “This is a tremendous milestone for the Company given the significant capital and regulatory requirements in

this sector.”