PARTNER RELEASE – CannaPacific, an Australian biotechnology company focused on the cannabinoid pharmaceutical sector today announced a partnership with the CSIRO, Australia’s national science agency, to trial novel encapsulation technologies for more effective medicinal cannabinoids.
Current oral medicinal cannabis products have low and inconsistent bioavailability — which refers to the proportion of the medicinal substance absorbed by the body in order to have an active effect — leading to inconsistent therapeutic benefit.
CannaPacific has commenced a proof-of-concept study of the encapsulation technology, developed in collaboration between CSIRO’s Probing Biosystems Future Science Platform and The University of Queensland’s Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (AIBN).
Dr Alison White, inventor of the technology and CSIRO-AIBN postdoctoral research fellow said mineral-based thin shells were used to completely surround the cannabinoid with a protective barrier to form a microcapsule.
“This barrier is designed to prevent premature release of the drug, and allows a higher level of control over where and when the drug is released,” Dr White said.
“By controlling the dissolution rate of the microcapsules, we anticipate a more consistent delivery of the cannabinoids into the bloodstream.”
The greater control this technology will provide is anticipated to remedy the current inconsistency of oil-based cannabinoid products. When coupled with optimised formulations of specific cannabinoid medicines, this improved delivery should reduce variability and allow for the preparation of more effective cannabinoid medicines.
“The initial project will be a proof of concept for CSIRO technology when applied to the delivery of cannabinoid-based medicines, and this forms one of a suite of research projects being undertaken by CannaPacific in order to improve the quality of cannabinoid-based medicines” said Tim Bowser, CannaPacific’s Chief Scientific Officer.
CannaPacific aims to be leaders in providing the best in class cannabinoid products, providing prescribers with more certainty around the use of cannabis based products and patients with better outcomes.
With a team highly experienced in translational research on high-value products from medicinal plants, this collaboration will focus on the development of new cannabinoid medicines. This collaboration aligns fully with CannaPacific’s agricultural research, cGMP supply chain, preclinical development and clinical trial programs.
CannaPacific is licenced by the Australian Government to cultivate and research medicinal cannabis. This includes an Office of Drug Control location undisclosed approved regional cultivation and research facility in Northern NSW.
About CannaPacific
CannaPacific is an Australian biotechnology company focused on the cannabinoid pharmaceutical sector. By combining advanced molecular breeding technology with a traditional approach to drug development, CannaPacific seeks to build a global therapeutic offering with an initial focus on palliative care and post-traumatic stress disorder.
CannaPacific’s strategy is to attain a world-leading position in the field of cannabinoid science through the research, development and commercialisation of cannabinoid molecules as authorised pharmaceutical products.
CannaPacific operates a full cGMP Medicinal Cannabis Supply Chain which is underpinned by a licenced cultivation facility nestled in the beautiful Byron Bay hinterland in northern NSW. The production facility includes a 10,000 sqm Dutch glasshouse and high-security outdoor cultivation area.
About CSIRO
CSIRO is Australia’s national science agency and innovation catalyst. We solve the greatest challenges through innovative science and technology. Our collaborative research turns science into solutions for food security and quality; clean energy and resources; health and wellbeing; resilient and valuable environments; innovative industries; and a secure Australia and region.
About AIBN
The University of Queensland’s Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (AIBN) is an integrated multi-disciplinary research institute bringing together the skills of world-class researchers in the areas of bioengineering and nanotechnology.
AIBN seeks to deliver innovative solutions to society’s problems through sustainable materials, healthy living and translational success. Our research is underpinned by AIBN’s Pillars of Research. These pillars focus AIBN’s research efforts on developing new products, processes and devices for improving human health, the environment and quality of life. In this way, the Institute goes beyond basic research to promote and develop the growth of innovative industries, which will benefit Queensland and Australian economies.
About medicinal cannabis
Governments at both Commonwealth and State and Territory levels have implemented legislative and policy change to allow the cultivation, manufacture, prescribing and dispensing of medicinal cannabis products for patients in Australia.
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