Vitality Biopharma Looks to Improve Cannabinoid Compounds
Ryan Allway
March 1st, 2017
News, Top News
Many pharmaceutical companies involved in the cannabis industry are focused on THC and CBD in various ratios, but the biggest opportunities may be in developing custom versions of these compounds and other cannabinoids in ways that improve bioavailability and reduce side-effects through targeted drug delivery. These approaches could yield safer and more effective drugs designed to treat many serious medical conditions.
In this article, we will take a closer look at Vitality Biopharma’s (OTCQB: VBIO) unique approach to cannabinoid pharmaceuticals and why investors should take note.
CFN Media recently interviewed Vitality Biopharma CEO Robert Brooke. He talks about cannabosides, IBD, Vitality’s federally-approved research facilities and practices, and the executive team.
Unique Approach
Many pharmaceutical companies focused on cannabinoids synthesize tetrahydrocannabinol (“THC”) or cannabidiol (“CBD”) in various ratios to target specific medical conditions. For example, GW Pharmaceuticals plc’s (NASDAQ: GWPH) Epidiolex is an oral spray that consists of pure CBD, designed to address drug-resistant epilepsy. The problem is that THC and CBD only represent a fraction a the hundreds of cannabinoids in the Cannabis sativa plant.
Vitality Biopharma is focused on the discovery and production of cannabinoid glycosides for the treatment of serious neurological and inflammatory diseases. Small molecule glycosylation alters the solubility and stability of drug compounds, and it could extend patent life, improve bioavailability, and reduce side effects through targeted drug delivery. Applying this prodrug technology to cannabinoids may increase their efficacy in treating numerous medical conditions.
In 2013, the company initiated a research program to develop efficient means of glycosylation through enzymatic biosynthesis. By late 2015 and early 2016, the company’s scientists applied this technology towards cannabinoids, including CBD and THC molecules, creating a new class of cannabinoid glycosides that it termed cannabosides. Since then, the company has filed patents covering over 20 cannabosides and started development on an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) treatment.
Large End Markets
According to Visiongain, the market for IBD treatments is expected to reach $9.3 billion by 2019, stimulated by rising disease incidence and non-invasive diagnosis, as well as technological advances in medicines.
Independent clinical trial data suggests that cannabis can induce remission even in patients that are resistant to steroids and biologic TNF-a inhibitors. In one eight week placebo-controlled trial, there was a statistical change in the Crohn’s Disease Activity Index with cannabis use, and nearly half of patients entered into disease remission. In another study of cannabis use in IBD patients, there were improvements reported by 83.9% of patients for abdominal pain and 76.8% for abdominal cramping, which means that an overwhelming majority reported symptomatic improvement.
Currently, most cannabis therapies must be low-dose since THC is absorbed in the blood-brain barrier. The company believes that its prodrug cannabosides could enable targeted delivery of THC molecules into the gut, which would enable higher local concentrations for pain and inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract. The company plans to begin Phase I/II studies this year while taking pathways that involve shorter trials through acute dosing regimens.
Looking Ahead
Vitality Biopharma Inc. (OTCQB: VBIO) has developed an innovative cannabosides platform to increase the bioavailability and effectiveness of cannabinoid medications using glycosides. With plans to begin Phase I/II clinical trials this year, investors may want to keep a close eye on the stock over the coming months. The company’s long-term plan to leverage its platform across many conditions could open the door to significant value creation.
The company is led by an experienced management team that includes CEO Robert Brooke, a former hedge fund analyst for over 50 direct healthcare investments, and co-founder Avtar Dhillon, MD, Chairman of Inovio Pharmaceuticals Inc. (NASDAQ: INO), Oncosec Medical Inc. (NASDAQ: ONCS), and Arch Therapeutics Inc. (OTC: ARTH), along with a team of experts across medicine, finance, and law to help ensure the company’s success.
For more information, visit the company’s website or CannabisFN’s company profile.
This article was published by CFN Enterprises Inc. (OTCQB: CNFN), owner and operator of CFN Media, the industry’s leading agency and digital financial media network dedicated to the burgeoning CBD and legal cannabis industries. Call +1 (833) 420-CNFN for more information.
About Ryan Allway
Mr. Allway has over a decade of experience in the financial markets as both a private investor and financial journalist. He has been actively involved in the cannabis industry since its inception, covering public and private companies.
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