Pups with sensitive skin might be able to kick the itch, following the results of a study showing an oral CBD treatment significantly reduces eczema symptoms in dogs.
On Tuesday, Australian animal health company CannPal Animal Therapeutics Limited (ASX: CP1) shared research results that its DermaCann product reduced a symptom severity index in dogs with atopic dermatitis, also known as eczema, by an average of 51 per cent after 56 days of treatment.
According to a statement, CADESI-4 (Canine Atopic Dermatitis Extent and Severity Index) is a gold-standard method used to grade inflammation and skin lesions in dogs with atopic dermatitis.
CannPal said the treatment was well tolerated by all dogs in the study, with no significant adverse effects reported throughout the length of the eight-week study.
The company says it’s now in discussions with animal health partners to advance the commercialization of DermaCann in regulatory markets and in markets that may not require product registration due to relaxing regulations for hemp-derived CBD.
Read more: Giving dogs daily CBD improves arthritis symptoms: study
CannPal Managing Director Layton Mills says DermaCann has been in development for close to three years.
“The result of that work is a safe and differentiated CBD product for dogs with a compelling dataset and strong intellectual property,” he said in the statement. “To our knowledge, this will be the only clinically validated oral CBD pet nutraceutical for supporting skin health in dogs, and we look forward to furthering our commercialization discussions for this exciting new product.”
Dosing for the safety and efficacy study started in the final quarter of 2019 with 30 dogs expected to participate in the trial; however, due to social distancing measures implemented by the Australian government in response to Covid-19, CannPal said it decided to end the study with 13 dogs having successfully completed treatment.
Mean of CADESI-4 scores in dogs treated with placebo or DermaCann (formulation DC-1 or formulation DC-2). Results from pre-treatment (day 0) to day 56. A lower score equals treatment benefit. Chart via CannPal
The study design was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial to assess the safety and efficacy of two similar DermaCann formulations in dogs with skin conditions, using different sources of cannabidiol extracted from the hemp plant, CannPal says.
Dogs were dosed twice daily over a period of 56 days, with veterinary and owner assessments conducted on all dogs on or around day zero, day 28 and day 56.
Clinical assessments were completed by veterinarians specializing in dermatology using the CADESI-4 model to assess skin lesions in areas commonly affected by canine atopic dermatitis. Assessments of skin and coat health were also completed by the vets and dog owners.
The data has also been used to strengthen CannPal’s intellectual property portfolio, with the filing of the company’s second PCT international patent application. This application is expected to establish an exclusivity period for the its proprietary DermaCann formulation extending to mid-2040.
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