Spectrum Therapeutics (“Spectrum”), the medical division of Canopy Growth Corporation (TSX: WEED) (NYSE: CGC) (the “Company” or “Canopy Growth”) is pleased to share an update on its efforts to develop and commercialize validated cannabis medicines through clinical trials. Demand for cannabinoid-based medicines is emerging around the world. With a highly experienced scientific team and the resources needed to conduct robust clinical trials, Spectrum Therapeutics is pursuing research to introduce products for the therapeutic areas of pain, mood and sleep and to gain access to new markets independent of medical cannabis laws.
CLINICAL RESEARCH
Spectrum Therapeutics is focused over the next 24 months to further the science of cannabinoids and provide evidence by way of clinical trials on what conditions medical cannabis can treat. This research includes product design and ingredient selection, formulation, and safety and efficacy testing towards the development of standardized cannabis drug formulations and dose delivery systems. Research activity is occurring in two main areas: registration trials and exploratory studies.
Registration trials begin with phase I studies of cannabinoid products covering a spectrum of proprietary THC and CBD ratios. These initial trials provide critical dosing and safety data to inform subsequent phase II trials. Spectrum Therapeutics is pleased to announce that two phase I trials have already been completed, one each in Canada and Chile.
Exploratory “proof of concept” studies use a range of Spectrum products and design methodologies to explore different dose responses, and safety and efficacy signals for target conditions. Those that show promising results will be added to the registration trial pipeline and their initial findings will allow for optimal phase II trial design. The first proof of concept phase IIb “in human” clinical trial previously announced by the Company, to evaluate the use of medical cannabis for treating insomnia, is in progress in partnership with Drs. Julie Carrier and Alex Desautels at the Universit de Montral. It is expected to be completed by calendar Q2 2020 with results announced by calendar Q3 2020.
Other proof of concept studies are currently underway in partnership with researchers including Dr. Bernard Le Foll at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Dr. Mary-Ann Fitzcharles at McGill University, and Dr. Angela Genge at the Montreal Neurological Institute. Over twenty conditions are being examined across these studies, including pain, sleep, and mood/anxiety disorders. Spectrum Therapeutics is also exploring areas such as neurodegenerative disorders in addition to the previously announced research partnership with NEEKA Health Canada and the NHL Alumni Association which is examining the efficacy of CBD-based therapies as part of a treatment for concussion symptoms. This clinical trial is expected to register its first patients by October 2019 with preliminary results by July 2020.
Recently acquired C3 Cannabinoid Compound Company (“C3”) is currently progressing a clinical trial for the use of dronabinol to treat spasticity due to multiple sclerosis. Additionally, research on the potential of medical cannabis to treat cancer-related pain is also in the works with Beckley Canopy Therapeutics, a partnership established between U.K. drug research institute, The Beckley Foundation and Canopy Growth. Patient registrations for this trial are expected in September 2019.
To support its research program, Spectrum Therapeutics is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Marcel Bonn-Miller as Global Clinical Scientific Director. He brings to the team 18 years of experience researching cannabinoids and their various effects, has received funding for 27 research grants, and has led or contributed to 19 clinical trials. His work has been featured in 139 academic publications and 161 conference presentations, and he also serves on the
