- The study is available for public viewing and is entitled “Cannabinoids Block Cellular Entry of SARS-CoV-2 and the Emerging Variants” (https://ibn.fm/w6zLQ)
- Dr. Richard van Breeman, who headed the independent study, explained that smoking and vaping cannabinoids are ineffective against preventing SARS-CoV-2, whereas oral delivery methods are effective
- Lexaria has been studying and researching the oral delivery of compounds using its patented DehydraTECH(TM) technology, which enhances bioavailability and absorption, requiring less heat than smoking or vaping and leaving the cannabinoid compounds undamaged
Lexaria Bioscience (NASDAQ: LEXX), a global innovator in drug delivery platforms, commented on an independent January 10 study headed by lead research scientist Dr. Richard van Breeman, which discovered that cannabinoids can block cellular entry of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) and its emerging variants (https://ibn.fm/gpgt1). The study shows that smoking and vaping are likely ineffective measures, whereas oral delivery methods are.
“If these hemp products containing these compounds are smoked or vaped, the heat exposure could cause the chemical decomposition or conversion,” Dr. van Breeman discussed the findings in more detail during an interview with Vice.com (https://ibn.fm/Svub8). “So, we would recommend in favor of an oral administration of these compounds instead of smoking them, inhaling them from vaping.”
As a company, Lexaria is already actively exploring and researching DehydraTECH(TM)-enabled cannabinoid formulations across various potential therapeutic applications, including oral formulations that are being prepared for registered clinical trials as a possible new pharmaceutical product. The patented process does not require temperatures as high as those used when smoking or vaping, which has been proven in studies to leave the cannabinoid molecules undamaged.
In response to the study, Chris Bunka, CEO of Lexaria Bioscience, said, “Lexaria has led the conversation for years related to oral delivery of cannabinoids and is a world-leader through its pioneering drug delivery technology, DehydraTECH(TM), in more effective delivery of cannabinoids to the human bloodstream through oral means.”
The study itself has concluded that cannabinoid acids from hemp (Cannabis sativa) were found to be allosteric as well as orthosteric ligands with micromolar affinity for the spike protein. “In follow-up virus neutralization assays, cannabigerolic acid and cannabidiolic acid prevented infection of human epithelial cells by a pseudovirus expressing the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein and prevented entry of live SARS-CoV-2 alpha variant B.1.1.7 and the beta variant B.1.351,” the study found.
Lexaria previously announced in June 2021 that the DehydraTECH-enabled remdesivir and ebastine effectively inhibited the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Remdesivir is a nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitor available under the name Veklury(R) from Gilead Sciences Inc. It has been shown to interfere with the viral replication process of SARS-CoV-2. Due to the properties of the compound, it has received emergency use authorization in several regions as a treatment for COVID-19. Ebastine is an antihistamine that has the potential to inhibit SARS-CoV-2 protease (Mpro, also called 3CL protease), blocking viral entry into human cells. These have been shown to produce anti-inflammatory properties. Mpro inhibitors have been gaining attention in the fight against COVID-19 and its variants, as signaled by Pfizer and its novel compound PF-07304814.
Since 2016, DehydraTECH has repeatedly demonstrated its ability to increase bioavailability of cannabinoids and nicotine, also offering better efficacy, quicker absorption, and masking the unwanted tastes of the compounds being delivered. Compounds have been shown to be more effective across the blood-brain barrier when using the patented DehydraTECH technology. The company operates its own licensed in-house research laboratory and holds an intellectual property portfolio of 23 patents granted and over 50 patents pending worldwide.
For more information, visit the company’s website at www.LexariaBioscience.com.
NOTE TO INVESTORS: The latest news and updates relating to LEXX are available in the company’s newsroom at https://ibn.fm/LEXX
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