Avicanna strikes research deal with European pharmaceutical company
Added on 12 April 2024
During the press conference announcing this promising collaboration between the two companies, Avicannas’ SEDDS (Self-Emulsifying Drug Delivery Systems) technology seems to be one of the key reasons for this joint research venture.
“The research collaboration will initially assess the Company’s proprietary SEDDS technology in combination with Collaborator’s various drug delivery and pharmaceutical formats to gain a better understanding of proprietary dosage forms with precisely standardized delivery and enhanced bioavailability of cannabinoids. The research collaboration may subsequently assess the possibility of further preclinical research and clinical development. Under the research collaboration, Avicanna will also provide services for assessing a range of other formulations that may be included in Collaborator’s portfolio.”
In addition to announcing the economical benefits for both parties involved, Avicanna representatives also highlighted the potential scientific breakthroughs this collaboration could bring to the table on both sides of the Atlantic.
“Due to the highly lipophilic nature and poor water-solubility of cannabinoids, the formulations currently available in the Canadian market have been generally described as having poor absorption and high variability of onset. Avicanna’s proprietary SEDDS oral delivery systems offer an effective route for non-invasive and non-inhalation administration of cannabinoids. With SEDDS drug delivery system it is expected that the daily intake and frequency of administration of cannabinoid-based medicine could be significantly reduced. Avicanna’s SEDDS technology has demonstrated robustness and versatility through different drug delivery formats including liquid infuser drops, already commercialized in Canada, solid capsule form in commercialization stage and powder form with tunable release which is dedicated for pharmaceutical dosage forms.”
In the context of cannabinoid-based products, SEDDS technology holds particular promise. Cannabinoids, such as CBD and THC, are hydrophobic compounds with low oral bioavailability. By encapsulating them within SEDDS formulations, their solubility and absorption can be significantly enhanced, potentially leading to more predictable and effective therapeutic outcomes in conditions such as pain management, anxiety, epilepsy, and more.
Overall, SEDDS technology represents a promising approach to overcoming the challenges associated with poorly water-soluble drugs, offering improved delivery and therapeutic benefits across various pharmaceutical applications.
At the moment, Avicanna is one of the leading figures in the Canadian medical cannabis market with a wide array of available products and services, such as pharmaceutical preparations, pipelines and RHO Phyto, Avicannas’ iconic cannabinoid line including improved oil drops, sublingual sprays, soft-gel capsules, topical creams and gels. Establishing a partnership with Shopper Drug Mart, a Canadian retail pharmacy chain based in Toronto, the company has received clearance to introduce RHO Phyto products in major hospitals throughout Canada, an initiative which has been going strong for almost three years.
If the deal between Avicanna and the undisclosed collaborator turns out to be fruitful, this Canadian pharmaceutical company will solidify its position at the forefront of the international medical cannabis sector once again.
Written by DANIEL CIUREA
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