Avicanna Inc. (TSX: AVCN) (OTCQX: AVCNF) (FSE: 0NN) is moving to patent a novel cannabinoid formulation that reduces epilepsy-caused seizures and sudden death.
On Friday, the Toronto-based biopharmaceutical firm said it recently filed an application with the United States Patent and Trademark Office.
“Understanding the anti-convulsant properties of our proprietary formulation in seizure disorders is important particularly since this combination drug has potential to reduce the likelihood of seizure-induced sudden death in epilepsy,” CEO Aras Azadian said in a statement.
A big step in #Epilepsy research! $AVCN #ScienceFirst https://t.co/FHYsVCuFp1 pic.twitter.com/VplqOJ2rxy
— Avicanna (TSX:AVCN) (@AvicannaInc) September 24, 2021
Epilepsy researcher Peter Carlen, from the Krembil Research Institute at the University Health Network in Toronto, tested the formulation in preliminary studies using mice, and found that the formulation was a more efficient anti-convulsant compared to CBD or THC alone.
“The exceptional research conducted by Dr. Carlen’s team with support from our R&D team, and the resulting patent submission will be a major driver for guiding our long-term drug and clinical development plans, particularly since its in the area with an existing Food and Drug Administration-approved cannabinoid-based drug,” Azadian added.
The cannabinoid-based formulation by Avicanna acts on the 5-HT1A receptor, which is known to be involved in seizures and epileptic events.
Read more: Sunnybrook Hospital’s medical cannabis program paves way for better patient access
Avicanna is the official provider for Toronto’s Sunnybrook Hospital, the first Canadian institution to sell cannabis products directly to patients. Under Canadian law, hospitals can dispense medical cannabis on site, which is otherwise not allowed.
Avicanna’s products are also available to patients registered with Medical Cannabis by Shoppers Drug Mart.
The company sells products including its medical line, RHO Phyto, which contains varying ratios of CBD and THC in oral, sublingual topical and transdermal formulations. It also makes Pura H&W, a functional CBD cosmetic and topical products line.
Its Santa Marta, Colombia-based subsidiary Aureus provides the raw materials for Avicanna and its global affiliates.
Avicanna has cannabinoid-based drug candidates in pre-clinical stages, which are focused on dermatology, pain management and other neurological disorders.
Follow Natalia Buendia Calvillo on Twitter
natalia@mugglehead.com
