New Research Study Examines the Pharmacological Effects of Plant-Derived Versus Synthetic CBD in Human Cell Lines

Published on: August 6, 2021

Artelo Biosciences, Inc., recently announced the publication of study results in the peer-reviewed journal Medical Cannabis and Cannabinoids, comparing the in vitro effects of purified natural and synthetic forms of cannabidiol (CBD) to establish any pharmacological difference in human cell lines.

Artelo Biosciences, Inc., a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company specializing in the development of therapeutics that target lipid signaling pathways as well as the endocannabinoid system, recently announced the publication of study results in the peer-reviewed journal Medical Cannabis and Cannabinoids (1). The research article, titled “The Pharmacological Effects of Plant-Derived versus Synthetic Cannabidiol in Human Cell Lines” (2), reportedly compares the in vitro effects of purified natural and synthetic forms of cannabidiol (CBD) to establish any pharmacological difference in human cell lines. The study, led by Professor Saoirse O’Sullivan, scientific advisor to Artelo Biosciences and former Professor of Pharmacology at the University of Nottingham (Nottingham, UK), revealed that there was no in-vitro pharmacological difference in the antiproliferative, anti-inflammatory, or permeability effects of purified natural versus synthetic CBD.

“Since this study did not find pharmacologic differences among the CBD compositions, we believe that it is the biopharmaceutical properties that have the greatest potential to differentiate CBD products,” said Gregory D. Gorgas, President and Chief Executive Officer of Artelo Biosciences, in the press announcement (1). “Our CBD cocrystal should contribute to improved consistency, absorption, bioavailability, processability, and stability. These properties, in turn, may lead to a product candidate with better efficacy and safety.”

The biopharmaceutical company’s patented cocrystal is comprised of CBD and tetramethylpyrazine (TMP). Each of these compounds have shown anti-cancer properties in-vitro and in-vivo. “However, individually, both of these compounds suffer from poor oral bioavailability. A recent study (3) confirmed that when combined, there were synergistic and additive interactions between CBD and TMP in their ability to prevent cancer cell growth and to kill cancer cells,” Gorgas added (1). “For this reason, we believe ART12.11 represents an attractive drug candidate targeting large indications, such as cancer, PTSD, inflammatory bowel disease, and more. In addition, our recently issued composition of matter patents could form the basis for market exclusivity through the end of 2038.”

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