The decriminalization of cannabis has opened the floodgates for researchers over the past few years. With the potential to impact the human endocannabinoid system, phytocannabinoids have become a focus of intense research. And investors are starting to take notice as many of these clinical programs move into Phase II and III studies.
This article will examine CBD’s anti-inflammatory effects and some companies working on CBD therapeutics, including Cardiol Therapeutics Inc. (NASDAQ: CRDL) (TSX: CRDL).
CBD’s Anti-Inflammatory Effects
The human endocannabinoid system is an essential molecular system responsible for controlling homeostasis. Cannabidiol, or CBD, is one of the most prominent pharmacologically-active phytocannabinoids capable of influencing the endocannabinoid system. And thanks to its unique structure, it has a broad spectrum of biological activity.
On a chemical level, CBD interrupts free radical chain reactions, captures free radicals, and transforms them into less active forms, resulting in lower levels of inflammation. In addition to directly reducing oxidant levels, CBD modifies the redox balance by changing the level and activity of antioxidants, surpassing some limitations of conventional antioxidants.
Thanks to these unique properties, researchers are evaluating CBD for treating diabetes, diabetes-related cardiomyopathy, cardiovascular diseases, cancer, arthritis, anxiety, psychosis, epilepsy, neurodegenerative disease, and skin disease.
While the range of conditions that CBD could impact seems extensive, the compound has far-reaching physiological effects. In a Nature article, Antonio Zuardi, a psychiatrist at the University of Sao Paulo in Brazil, notes that there are something like 20 possible mechanisms of action that have been described for CBD. “These multiple pharmacological effects may justify the wide range of possible therapeutic activities.”
Based on its anti-oxidant properties alone, CBD would be a candidate for study in treating a wide variety of diseases. According to Medical News Today, oxidative stress may play a role in the development of a range of conditions, including:
- cancer
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Parkinson’s disease
- diabetes
- cardiovascular conditions such as high blood pressure, atherosclerosis, and stroke
- inflammatory disorders
- chronic fatigue syndrome
- asthma
- male infertility
Companies on the Cutting Edge
Many companies sell CBD supplements over-the-counter, but research suggests that the substance is poorly absorbed by the body. In order to overcome these challenges, cutting-edge research is focused on using megadoses of one gram or more or developing innovative delivery mechanisms to bypass the first-pass metabolism and improve bioavailability.
Jazz Pharmaceuticals plc (Nasdaq: JAZZ) owns the only FDA-approved CBD therapeutic, Epidiolex®, for the treatment of seizures. However, plenty of companies are in various stages of rolling out CBD therapeutics targeting much larger indications, ranging from cancer to heart disease. And investors may want to keep an eye on some of them.
Cardiol Therapeutics Inc. (NASDAQ: CRDL) (TSX: CRDL) has four clinical development programs that leverage CBD to treat acute myocarditis, recurrent pericarditis, cardiorespiratory complications associated with viral infection, and heart failure. One of these programs is in Phase II clinical trials, one is in Phase II/III clinical trials, and one has been approved for a Phase II clinical trial. Two of the programs are eligible for an Orphan Drug Disease Designation, creating a potentially faster path to market.
The company’s focus on using CBD to treat patients with inflammatory heart conditions is based on extensive preclinical trials demonstrating that cannabidiol has significant anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic activity, as well as anti-ischemic and anti-arrhythmic action. These studies also show the potential to improve myocardial function.
Looking Ahead
CBD’s anti-inflammatory properties could make it a valuable therapeutic across various indications. As clinical programs mature, investors may want to keep an eye on the companies behind them, as they could benefit from partnership opportunities or commercialization. For instance, Cardiol Therapeutics Inc. (NASDAQ: CRDL) (TSX: CRDL) has a Phase II/III and a Phase II clinical study underway with the potential for more to come.
For more information, visit the company’s website or download their investor presentation.
