Avicanna Announces USPTO Patent for SEDDS Technology

25 June 2024

Avicanna Inc., a Toronto-based biopharmaceutical firm, has announced that the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has issued Patent No. US 11,998,632 B2. This patent covers Avicanna's self-emulsifying drug delivery system (SEDDS) for oral cannabinoid compositions and methods for treating neuropathic pain.

The CEO of Avicanna, Aras Azadian, expressed joy over the issuance of the patent, noting that the company's mission has always centered around the research and development of advanced drug delivery systems leveraging cannabinoids. The milestone is a testament to the hard work of their scientific team and opens up new avenues for clinical applications in treating neuropathic pain. Azadian also emphasized the company's commitment to collaborating with healthcare providers to support patients in need.

The SEDDS technology addresses the poor absorption and high variability of cannabinoid onset, which are common issues due to their lipophilic nature and low water solubility. This oral delivery system provides a non-invasive alternative to inhalation, ensuring better stability and absorption. Tests have shown that more than 90% of the cannabinoids remain stable after six months under accelerated conditions. Additionally, when tested in biorelevant media mimicking human intestinal fluid, the CBD and THC components of the formulation demonstrated over 90% dispersion within one hour.

Avicanna is a global biopharmaceutical company that focuses on developing and commercializing cannabinoid-based products. Their scientific platform has led to the commercialization of over thirty proprietary, evidence-based products. The company operates through four key business pillars:

1. Medical Cannabis Formulary (RHO Phyto™): This formulary includes a wide range of proprietary products, such as oral, sublingual, topical, and transdermal deliveries with various cannabinoid ratios. Supported by patient and medical community education, RHO Phyto is a leading medical brand in Canada and is expanding into international markets.

2. Medical Cannabis Care Platform (MyMedi.ca): Run by Northern Green Canada Inc., this platform aims to enhance the patient journey by offering a diverse portfolio of products and bilingual pharmacist-led support programs. It also provides specialized services for specific patient groups like veterans and collaborates with public and private payers for reimbursement. Educational resources are available to help incorporate medical cannabis into healthcare regimens.

3. Pharmaceutical Products (Trunerox™) and Pipeline: Utilizing their scientific platform and real-world evidence, Avicanna has developed a pipeline of cannabinoid-based pharmaceutical products targeting unmet medical needs in dermatology, chronic pain, and neurological disorders. Trunerox™, their first indication-specific pharmaceutical drug, was approved as an adjuvant treatment for seizures associated with Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome and Dravet Syndrome by the Health Authority of Colombia INVIMA. However, it has not been approved by Health Canada.

4. Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (Aureus Santa Marta™): This business unit, through Santa Marta Golden Hemp SAS, supplies high-quality CBD, THC, and CBG for the development and production of various medical, pharmaceutical, and consumer products. It also serves as a reliable input source for Avicanna’s global product lines.

Through these initiatives, Avicanna continues to push the boundaries of cannabinoid-based therapies, aiming to provide effective and innovative solutions for complex medical conditions.

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