This company partnered with UBC to develop THC-free hemp extracts

Dec 22 2017, 10:39 am

The cannabis and hemp industries are hot topics right now, so it makes sense that extensive research is being carried out in both areas.

Just recently, local life sciences and biotechnology company, Abattis Bioceuticals Corp. announced that it is sponsoring a research study in partnership with the national not-for-profit organization, Mitacs. The study will be led by scientists from Abattis and the Faculty of Land and Food Systems at UBC.

The goal of this new partnership? To explore the development of nanoemulsified and liposomal platforms for the delivery of cannabinoid-rich hemp oil. In addition to the R&D work on cannabinoid-rich THC-free hemp extracts, scientists from Abattis’ and UBC’s Faculty of Land and Food Systems will work to create delivery platforms with increased stability and bioavailability.

Abattis Bioceuticals Corp. aggregates, integrates, and invests, in cannabis technologies and biotechnology services for the legal cannabis industry developing in Canada. To date, it has successfully developed and licensed natural health products, medicines, extractions, and ingredients for the biologics, nutraceutical, bioceutical, and cosmetic markets.

“Our partnership will focus on developing nanoparticle-based delivery platforms since nanoparticulation allow more efficient and faster absorption of active compounds such as cannabinoids and terpenes, reducing the typical losses associated with gut absorption. This new development is part of our overall strategy to provide high-end extracts to our manufacturing partners and to support the development of unique finished products,” Rob Abenante, president and CEO of Abattis, said in a press release.

Dr. Anubhav Pratap Singh, assistant professor of the Food Nutrition and Health Program at UBC said that the research will help develop stable encapsulated hemp-oil formulas for the delivery of medicinal ingredients of cannabis in oral form (without the harmful effects of smoking).

“Stable hemp extracts, with tailored profiles of cannabinoids and terpenes, could be used for targeted treatment of patients and help them lead a healthy lifestyle,” said Dr. Singh.

Why is this research important? What is it hoping to achieve?

Cannabinoids, the active chemical compounds in cannabis and hemp, have a very low absorption rate when consumed orally. A low absorption rate (also known as low bioavailiability) means most of the cannabinoids are filtered and discarded by the liver.

By developing nanoemulsified extracts, Abattis is leading the field of high-end delivery platforms for cannabinoids. High-end delivery platforms allow for the creation of finished products with significantly higher bioavailability that are fast-acting and deliver all the benefits associated with broad-range, cannabinoid and terpene-rich extracts.

Broad-range, cannabinoid- and terpene-rich extracts, which mimic the natural abundance and composition of actives naturally occurring in cannabis and hemp plants, have been scientifically proven to be more effective at treating pain and anxiety than extracts based in a single cannabinoid.

Who will the study impact and in what way?

Medical, sport, and recreational users of cannabis and hemp-based products will benefit immensely from this technology and from finished products manufactured with it. Nanoemulsified cannabinoids are more rapidly and efficiently absorbed by the body providing faster relief without the many dangers associated with smoking (e.g., increase the incidence of throat and lung cancer, exposure to toxic chemicals produced during combustion of dry biomass, irritation of lung tissue, etc).

What impact will the program have on sports medicine?

Cannabinoids have an enormous potential to reduce and improve recovery from, sport-related injuries due to its analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. Recent research suggests cannabinoids may improve respiratory and cardiac function. These properties make CBD and other cannabinoids a potential ingredient for pre-workout supplements.

How will the study impact the cannabis industry, local manufacturers, and businesses?

The use of nanoemulsified broad-spectrum extracts will allow manufacturers and developers of finished products a safe, efficient and highly effective delivery platform for a myriad of novel products for high margin markets far beyond recreational use.

From quick acting anti-inflammatory topical applications for athletes and seniors with MS, to drinks with anti-anxiety or anti-oxidant properties, and from edibles to treat severe epilepsy to analgesic applications to help reduce pain and nausea associated with chemotherapy.

For more information visit Abattis Bioceuticals Corp.

Daily Hive StaffDaily Hive Staff

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