THC
Clinical Need
An FDA-approved oral, synthetic version of THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol) is on the market as an antiemetic agent for chemotherapy and appetite stimulation for patients with AIDS. The therapeutic uses of THC have generated wide public and scientific interest because of its broad potential therapeutic value. There are currently many clinical studies exploring expanded indications for the use of cannabinoids, including epilepsy, glaucoma, Alzheimer’s disease, multiple sclerosis, cancer and neuropathic pain.
Product Benefit
ITI is developing a THC nasal spray for resistant chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting in cancer patients and as an appetite stimulant for anorexia in AIDS patients. It has a possible wider therapeutic potential for treating neurological disorders, glaucoma and pain. THC nasal spray may have advantages over existing and inhaled THC products, including faster onset of action and relief, more accurate dosing and bioavailability to improve therapeutic outcomes. Moreover, ITI’s unit dose delivery system helps control intake and limits abuse potential.
Development Status
We are in the early stages of research on a nasal spray product using a synthetic THC and have completed one animal study to demonstrate the systemic absorption of THC via the nasal membrane. We believe that a THC nasal spray product would represent an improvement for treating nausea and vomiting, and cachexia in AIDS patients. A patent application has been filed.
Additional Resources
Intranasal absorption of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol and WIN 55,212-2 Mesylate in Rats. Abstract AAPS fall meeting 2004; The AAPS Journal Vol. 6, No.4: Abstract W4267 (2004).
