Aphios

Aphios Awarded Grant for Developing cGMP Process for CBD Using Green Drug Technology

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Today, Aphios Corporation announced that the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), NIH awarded Phase I of a Fast Track SBIR grant to develop a process for manufacturing cGMP cannabidiol (CBD) using its green drug manufacturing technology.

The main goal of the research program is to develop a process for manufacturing pharmaceutical grade CBD following current Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP) of the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in clinical trials for multiple sclerosis (MS), childhood epilepsy and other central nervous system (CNS) indications by the NIH and other researchers. Having readily available pharmaceutical-grade CBD, manufactured following cGMP, will facilitate clinical evaluation by investigators at the NIH and other researchers for epilepsy, MS and other CNS diseases.

Additionally, the process developed will be used for the manufacturing of Δ9-THC, already in use for cancer pain and nausea and AIDS-related cachexia, and other cannabinoids currently in development, such as cannabigerol (CBG).

“We believe that CBD can be cost-effectively manufactured from high CBD content Cannabis sativa (hemp) utilizing supercritical fluid technology, and that such a process could also produce other bioactive cannabinoid mixtures for future research and therapeutic use,” said Dr. Trevor P. Castor, CEO and Principal Investigator on this grant. “We propose to manufacture pharmaceutical-grade CBD following cGMP guidelines by utilizing supercritical fluids and near-critical fluids with or without polar co-solvents such as alcohols (SuperFluids™). These fluids are gases such as carbon dioxide which when compressed, exhibit enhanced thermodynamic properties that can be ‘fine-tuned’ for rapid and selective extraction of bioactive molecules. Products of our critical fluid extraction and purification (CXP) manufacturing technology are free of toxic organic solvents, environmentally friendly and truly ‘green.’”

Source: Aphios Corporation

Last updated: 9/16/14; 3:15pm EST

 

Marys Medicinals CPJ

Mary’s Medicinals Launches New Line of Cannabinoid Supplements

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Today, Mary’s Medicinals, an exclusive producer and distributor of transdermal cannabis patches, gels and compounds, announced a line of Terpene Enriched cannabinoid supplements including the first capsule to feature isolated CBN.

The company said that it is expanding its line of nutraceutical products to meet the growing demand for reliably dosed, smokeless, non-psychoactive marijuana consumption options. Mary’s expanded products will include capsules that complement its transdermal patches, compounds and gels.

Over the next coming weeks, the company will launch three formulations of capsules, which will be available in Washington and Colorado. These capsules include CBN, CBN/THC-A blend, and CBD. Cannabinol (CBN) is an effective anti-epileptic, anti-spasmodic and reliever of intra-ocular pressure. Evidence from recent studies suggest that CBN can be administered as an antidepressant, to prevent convulsions and to sedate patients experiencing pain. It is ideal for individuals suffering from Glaucoma, inflammation and insomnia.

Tetrahydrocannabinolic Acid (THC-A) is the non-activated, non-psychotropic acid form of THC. It is a known anti-inflammatory and cell growth inhibitor, which provides many of the same benefits of THC but without psychotropic side effects.

Cannabidiol (CBD) has shown to be effective in treating inflammation, diabetes, cancer, and mood disorders, such as PTSD and ADD, as well as neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease. CBD has an anti-epileptic, anti-anxiety, anti-psychotic, anti-nausea, anti-rheumatoid arthritis and sedative properties.

“Mary’s is dedicated to crafting the highest quality medicine utilizing the powerful healing properties of cannabinoids to optimize patient care. In the creation of each of Mary’s products, thoughtful consideration is given to replenishing vital terpenes that are typically lost in the production of most cannabis products. We strive to ensure our products are not only accurately dosed and cleanly delivered, but comprised of everything nature intended,” said Nicole Smith, CEO, Mary’s Medicinals.

All of Mary’s capsules are 100 percent plant-based, vegan, GMO-free, gluten-free and contain to additives or organic volatile impurities. Every batch of products is laboratory tested for quality, accuracy and consistency.

Source: Mary’s Medicinals

Last updated: 9/16/14; 1:40pm EST

 

 

Baird

NSW to Conduct Clinical Trial for Medical Cannabis

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The New South Wales (NSW) government in Australia has decided to sponsor a clinical trial of cannabis for people suffering from terminal illnesses.

Terminally ill patients will soon be able to use cannabis without fear of being prosecuted, as the government moves closer to legalizing the drug for medical purposes.

The government’s decision is likely to formalize a protocol which allows police not to take action to the use of cannabis by patients in their last days of life. NSW Premier Mike Baird, who made the announcement today, has asked a working group to report on this matter by the end of 2014, and come up with a plan to ensure that these patients can obtain the drug, or products derived from it.

Baird said that the move formalized what police were already doing.

According to Baird, the clinical trial would explore the role of cannabis in providing relief for patients suffering from various debilitating or terminal illnesses, to enhance the understanding of its medical use.

The issue gained momentum earlier this year when Nationals MP Kevin Anderson said that he would introduce a private member’s bill to legalize cannabis for medical purposes. Baird told Parliament he was touched by the story of terminally ill Daniel Haslam, a 24-year-old diagnosed with bowel cancer.

Haslam’s mother Lucy has been leading a campaign to legalize medical cannabis for her son, who found that cannabis offered some relief to the severe side effects associated with chemotherapy.

Under Mr. Anderson’s proposal, those living with a terminal illness would be issued with a special license and allowed to have 15 grams or less of dry cannabis.

NSW Opposition leader John Robertson said if the government did not support a medical cannabis bill, Labor would take its own policy to the March state election.

Several international regions have legalized cannabis for medical purposes, including 23 states in the US, the Netherlands, Canada and Israel.