MGC Pharmaceuticals Ltd - medicinal cannabis firm - Says ongoing pre-clinical research program into glioblastoma multiforme "significantly progresses" and has now been expanded to explore the use of nano technology in relation to the most effective treatment delivery systems. GBM is the most aggressive and, to date, therapeutically resistant primary brain tumour, MGC says.
"This important GBM research program is being conducted in collaboration with MGC Pharma, the National Institute of Biology and the Neurosurgery department at the University Medical Centre in Ljubljana, Slovenia," company says.
It adds: "It is focused on testing cannabinoid formulations on fresh glioblastoma tumour tissues, obtained from patients after surgical removal of the tumour, to determine the optimal cannabinoid preparation for the effective treatment of the remaining cancer. The program tests cannabinoids alone and in combination with chemotherapeutic temozolomide."
The objective of the pre-clinical in-vitro research, MGC Pharma explains, is to develop novel formulations to define the clinical protocols for clinical trials for the treatment of high-grade brain tumours with cannabinoids. The study has now been expanded to include testing the effect of both cannabidiol and cannabigerol on tumour cells when delivered via a nanoparticle delivery system.
"Successful results of this testing would potentially lead to a significant breakthrough in the treatment of brain cancer through oral administration - rather than invasive treatments. Nanoparticles are believed to improve the bioavailability and the blood to brain barrier issues, which are being optimised using Self Nano-Emulsifying Drug Delivery," MGC adds.
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By Paul McGowan; paulmcgowan@alliancenews.com
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