NEW YORK, February 21, 2018 /PRNewswire/ --

NetworkNewsWire Editorial Coverage 

Modern science has substantiated both the anecdotal history and the efficacy of cannabidiol ("CBD"), a non-psychoactive compound found in the cannabis sativa plant. Research has revealed that CBD may significantly reduce inflammation and is now widely used to treat chronic pain, multiple sclerosis and fibromyalgia, epilepsy, and numerous other conditions. There is even evidence that CBD has potential to prevent symptoms of Alzheimer's and appears to suppress the growth of cancer cells and promote the death of these cells (http://nnw.fm/S6cXu). While CBD may provide solutions to multiple unmet medical needs, current drug delivery techniques remain antiquated. There are inherent metabolic issues in consistent, effective delivery of cannabinoids, and these new pharmaceutical therapeutics require revolutionary techniques of administration. Establishing a new paradigm in cannabinoid drug delivery, PreveCeutical Medical Inc. (CSE: PREV) (OTC: PRVCF) (FSE: 18H) (PRVCF Profile) is engineering a unique Sol-gel nose-to-brain delivery platform to provide direct, controlled pharmacological drug release. Many large Canadian companies produce cutting-edge pharmaceutical cannabis compounds, yet rely on outdated delivery mechanisms and may find PreveCeutical's platform superior to current dosing techniques. Some of these companies include Canopy Growth Corp. (TSX: WEED) (OTC: TWMJF), Aphria, Inc. (TSX: APH) (OTC: APHQF) and Isodiol International, Inc. (CSE: ISOL) (OTC: ISOLF) (FSE: LB6A.F).

The Opportunity

CBD is understandably generating worldwide interest from the investment community. According to a report by Grand View Research, Inc. the global medical cannabis market is expected to grow from the $11.4 billion in reached 2015 to a staggering $55.8 billion by 2025 (https://www.grandviewresearch.com/press-release/global-medical-marijuana-market). Driven by the growing need for pain mitigation and increased awareness of potential health benefits, the global market for CBD is growing at a phenomenal 39% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) (http://nnw.fm/t64Rk). In spite of any short-term fluctuations, the long-term outlook for cannabis companies remains positive. Increased efficacy would only enhance the outlook.

The Problem

Conventional administration of cannabinoid therapeutics relies heavily on inhalation or the ingestion of solutions or capsules. Whether through inhalation or ingestion, cannabinoids are first moved into the bloodstream and then pass through the liver. The drugs never directly impact the target area of disease or pain because the liver first filters then metabolizes the drugs. Subsequently, potency and release times are unpredictable and inconsistent. Moreover, cannabinoids don't readily dissolve in water which adds to dosing difficulties and discrepancies. The blood brain barrier also presents a major challenge in delivering targeted, consistent therapeutic relief. The blood brain barrier has historically stymied drug delivery because the capillaries that carry blood to the brain filter and block the passage of certain substances hindering therapeutic treatments.

The Solution

In a unique and potentially transformative drug delivery technique, PreveCeutical Medical Inc. (CSE: PREV) (OTCQB: PRVCF) (FSE: 18H) is engineering the world's first nose-to-brain drug delivery platform. In research and development for over seven years by PreveCeutical's Chief Research Officer, Dr. Harendra Parekh, Ph.D., the company's novel Sol-gel technology is designed for enhanced efficacy, targeted delivery and superior time release of cannabinoid (CBD) based medications. Bypassing the blood brain barrier, this nasal spray formulation rapidly gels upon contact with mucosal tissue to effectuate targeted drug delivery directly to the brain. PreveCeutical's platform circumvents the blood stream and allows specific doses to reach specific targets without the filtering and metabolism that occur in the liver.

Sol-gel remains on the mucosal tissue for extended release and vastly improved bioavailability. Since cannabinoids don't readily dissolve in water Dr. Parekh and his team also developed proprietary technology to place and retain cannabinoids in aqueous mediums, thus creating never before achieved direct central nervous system drug delivery and potency controls.

The Collaborations

Last year PreveCeutical entered into a research and option agreement with the University of Queensland, Australia and UniQuest Pty Limited, the main commercialization company of the university, to develop a soluble gel to deliver cannabinoids directly to the brain via the nasal cavity. Terms of the research program, scheduled to start in March 2018, state that PreveCeutical will own all intellectual property developed under the program and will be granted an option to negotiate an exclusive worldwide license to UniQuest's background IP. Dr. Harry Parekh, chief research officer for PreveCeutical, will lead the Sol-gel cannabinoid project from his base at the University's School of Pharmacy. PreveCeutical Chairman and CEO, Stephen Van Deventer stated, "Nasal delivery of cannabinoids could potentially provide a safer and more reliable delivery platform with clinical benefits for pain, inflammation, seizures, and mental illness."

The Pipeline

PreveCeutical has already brought one product to market and is developing a diverse portfolio of research and development programs that address large market diseases. PreveCeutical Medical's first commercial product, CELLB9®, is an oral dilute solution infused with select peptides. PreveCeutical's highly respected research team is now using proprietary chemistry to generate Nature Identical™ peptides derived from natural compounds found only in Caribbean Blue Scorpion venom. PreveCeutical, and its Australian research commercialization partner UniQuest, are currently screening these peptides across some of the most aggressive diseases where there exists unmet clinical needs.

PreveCeutical is also pursuing dual-gene therapy research as both a preventative measure and possible treatment for type 2 diabetes and obesity.  Over five years of multi-disciplinary research has generated convincing results in disease models that a single gene may be implicated in type 2 diabetes and obesity. PreveCeutical's gene-silencing technology would effectively turn off the genetic signal which leads to the over-production of a key protein molecule, in turn reducing blood sugar levels and preventing the body from storing excessive fat. PreveCeutical's Chief Research Officer, Dr. Harendra Parekh, Ph.D. stated, "…gene-silencing does not represent a mere management for diabetes and obesity, it represents the potential for a bona fide cure…"

PreveCeutical and its partner UniQuest are expanding the use of their disulphide linker technology to develop non-addictive analgesics for moderate-to-severe pain. The four-phase research program will be led by Dr. Parekh and carried out in collaboration with pain and inflammation pharmacology experts at the University of Queensland. Dr. Parekh commented, "This is a very exciting and important program as we focus on engineering a novel class of drugs derived from our very own endogenous pain pathways... Our preliminary work has highlighted that by using our proprietary linker technology we can enhance stability while maintaining, and in some cases enhancing the potency of lead bioactives." In what could be a breakthrough in pain management, enhancing both stability and potency of bioactives may well enhance brain uptake, allowing peptides to bind to receptors, block pain signals and provide non-opioid pain relief.

The Producers

The granddaddy of Canadian cannabis companies, Canopy Growth (TSX: WEED) (OTC: TWMJF), has the most extensive share of Canada's medical marijuana market. The company operates seven cannabis production sites with over 665,000 square feet of production capacity and offers distinct brands and curated cannabis varieties in dried, oil and Softgel capsule forms. Canopy has operations in seven countries across four continents and has attracted an investment by beverage giant Constellation Brands for a 9 percent stake in the company. Through a subsidiary, Canopy has invested millions of dollars toward cutting edge, research and IP development and could easily incorporate and probably benefit from better cannabinoid delivery mechanisms.

Aphria (TSX: APH) (OTCQB: APHQF) produces, supplies and sells medical cannabis. Aphria prides itself on sunlight grown products and is committed to providing pharma-grade medical cannabis. The company is the exclusive online supplier of cannabis to Shoppers Drug Mart, Canada's largest retail pharmacy chain. Aphria offers capsules of extracted cannabis oil, extracted cannabis oil in an oral dropper and CBD vaporizers. With its large retail presence and outdated delivery protocols, Aphria would be a natural fit for a better cannabinoid delivery platform.

Isodiol International (CSE: ISOL) (OTCQB: ISOLF) (FSE: LB6A.F) is a leader in pharmaceutical grade phytochemical (plant based) compounds and an industry leader in the manufacturing and development of hemp-based CBD consumer products. Isodiol was a pioneer in the commercialization of 99%+ pure, bioactive pharmaceutical grade cannabinoids, micro-encapsulations, and nanotechnology for delivery of high quality ingestible and topical skin care products. However, ingestible CBD products have well known metabolic and absorption challenges. New delivery mechanisms are likely the solution to enhanced cannabinoid efficacy.

For more information on PreveCeutical Medical, visit PreveCeutical Medical Inc. (CSE: PREV) (OTCQB: PRVCF) (FSE: 18H)

About NetworkNewsWire

NetworkNewsWire (NNW) is a financial news and content distribution company that provides (1) access to a network of wire services via NetworkWire to reach all target markets, industries and demographics in the most effective manner possible, (2) article and editorial syndication to 5,000+ news outlets (3), enhanced press release services to ensure maximum impact, (4) social media distribution via the Investor Brand Network (IBN) to nearly 2 million followers, (5) a full array of corporate communications solutions, and (6) a total news coverage solution with NNW Prime. As a multifaceted organization with an extensive team of contributing journalists and writers, NNW is uniquely positioned to best serve private and public companies that desire to reach a wide audience of investors, consumers, journalists and the general public. By cutting through the overload of information in today's market, NNW brings its clients unparalleled visibility, recognition and brand awareness. NNW is where news, content and information converge. For more information, please visit https://www.NetworkNewsWire.com .

Please see full terms of use and disclaimers on the NetworkNewsWire website applicable to all content provided by NNW, wherever published or re-published: http://NNW.fm/Disclaimer

DISCLAIMER: NetworkNewsWire (NNW) is the source of the Article and content set forth above. References to any issuer other than the profiled issuer are intended solely to identify industry participants and do not constitute an endorsement of any issuer and do not constitute a comparison to the profiled issuer. The commentary, views and opinions expressed in this release by NNW are solely those of NNW. Readers of this Article and content agree that they cannot and will not seek to hold liable NNW for any investment decisions by their readers or subscribers. NNW is a news dissemination and financial marketing solutions provider and are NOT registered broker-dealers/analysts/investment advisers, hold no investment licenses and may NOT sell, offer to sell or offer to buy any security.

The Article and content related to the profiled company represent the personal and subjective views of the Author, and are subject to change at any time without notice. The information provided in the Article and the content has been obtained from sources which the Author believes to be reliable. However, the Author has not independently verified or otherwise investigated all such information. None of the Author, NNW, or any of their respective affiliates, guarantee the accuracy or completeness of any such information. This Article and content are not, and should not be regarded as investment advice or as a recommendation regarding any particular security or course of action; readers are strongly urged to speak with their own investment advisor and review all of the profiled issuer's filings made with the Securities and Exchange Commission before making any investment decisions and should understand the risks associated with an investment in the profiled issuer's securities, including, but not limited to, the complete loss of your investment.

NNW HOLDS NO SHARES OF ANY COMPANY NAMED IN THIS RELEASE.

This release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended and such forward-looking statements are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. "Forward-looking statements" describe future expectations, plans, results, or strategies and are generally preceded by words such as "may", "future", "plan" or "planned", "will" or "should", "expected," "anticipates", "draft", "eventually" or "projected". You are cautioned that such statements are subject to a multitude of risks and uncertainties that could cause future circumstances, events, or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements, including the risks that actual results may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, and other risks identified in a company's annual report on Form 10-K or 10-KSB and other filings made by such company with the Securities and Exchange Commission. You should consider these factors in evaluating the forward-looking statements included herein, and not place undue reliance on such statements.  The forward-looking statements in this release are made as of the date hereof and NNW undertakes no obligation to update such statements.

NetworkNewsWire (NNW) is affiliated with the Investor Brand Network (IBN).

About IBN
Over the past 10+ years we have consistently introduced new network brands, each specifically designed to fulfil the unique needs of our growing client base and services. Today, we continue to expand our branded network of highly influential properties, leveraging the knowledge and energy of specialized teams of experts to serve our increasingly diversified list of clients.

Please feel free to visit the Investor Brand Network (IBN) http://www.InvestorBrandNetwork.com

Corporate Communications Contact:
NetworkNewsWire (NNW)
New York
+1-212-418-1217 Office
Editor@NetworkNewsWire.com   

Media Contact:
FN Media Group, LLC
NNW@FinancialNewsMedia.com  
+1-(954)345-0611

SOURCE NetworkNewsWire