Targeting neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Huntington’s and Parkinson’s
Identified two lead cannabinoid analog compounds for in vivo studies
NSERC grant funding supports InMed’s collaborative research projects with Dr. Kumar from University of British Columbia (UBC)
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Nov. 16, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- InMed Pharmaceuticals Inc. (“InMed” or the “Company”) (Nasdaq: INM), a leader in the pharmaceutical research, development and manufacturing of rare cannabinoids and cannabinoid analogs, today announces the launch of its neurodegenerative disease program (INM-900 series), which will be investigating the effects of cannabinoid analogs in diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Huntington’s and Parkinson’s.
In research conducted to date, InMed has identified two cannabinoid analogs demonstrating promising effects related to the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases, warranting further investigation in in vivo studies. InMed will be conducting studies using in vivo models in neurodegenerative disease to select the most appropriate candidate for clinical studies. Early preclinical efficacy readout is expected in 2Q 2023.
In addition, Dr. Ujendra Kumar of the faculty of Pharmaceuticals Sciences at UBC has been awarded an Alliance grant from NSERC, with InMed as the named industry partner. The funding will support the research and development studies of InMed’s cannabinoid pharmaceutical candidates, investigating their potential therapeutic effects in neurodegenerative diseases. The collaboration project is entitled “Pharmacological characterization of phytocannabinoids and the endocannabinoid system.”
InMed's Senior Vice President of Preclinical Research & Development, Eric Hsu, Ph.D., commented, "We are pleased that our efforts have led to the identification of two cannabinoid analog candidates to advance to in vivo studies. Our team will continue this important research in neurodegenerative diseases under the NSERC Alliance grant. Our early studies are showing promising neuroprotective effects as well as neurite outgrowth, signifying the potential to enhance neuronal function that may be important in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. This program, in conjunction with the work we are doing within glaucoma, increases our focus on, and expands our pipeline within, the neuroprotection space.”
In December 2021, InMed filed an international patent application demonstrating neuroprotection and enhanced neuronal function using rare cannabinoids and analogs for the potential treatment of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s Disease, Parkinson’s Disease, Huntington’s Disease and others. The patent specifies such compounds that may inhibit or slow the progression of neurodegenerative diseases by providing neuroprotection in a population of affected neurons.
Why pursue cannabinoid analogs? Unlike natural cannabinoids isolated from the plant which are not patentable, these cannabinoid analogs are patentable. Benefits may include:
Targeting certain physiological outcomes in specific diseases;
Improving upon the safety profile of the natural cannabinoids;
Enhancing the ability to integrate with specific delivery technologies; and
Protecting the long-term research investment and commercial opportunities.
About InMed: InMed Pharmaceuticals is a global leader in the pharmaceutical research, development and manufacturing of rare cannabinoids and cannabinoid analogs, including clinical and preclinical programs targeting the treatment of diseases with high unmet medical needs. We also have significant know-how in developing proprietary manufacturing approaches to produce cannabinoids for various market sectors.