Nemus Bioscience will partner with the University of Mississippi (UM) to further investigate the analgesic and abuse-deterrent properties of a unique cannabidiol (CBD) analogue, known as NB2111, for the management of pain associated with disorders like fibromyalgia.
Nemus anticipates that the results of in vivo studies will add to the body of evidence showing that NB2111 has analgesic properties comparable to opioids in animal models. NB2111 has been shown previously to have anti-addictive activity against opioids in an animal model.
“The global need for an effective analgesic continues to grow with aging populations and the attendant conditions associated with diseases of old age. … Nemus plans to utilize its portfolio of cannabinoid-based therapies to develop a continuum of care for patients experiencing acute or chronic pain, as well as helping patients who may have developed an addiction to opioids convert to cannabinoid-class compounds that we believe offer analgesic coverage without the associated serious adverse safety profile associated with long-term opioid use,” said Brian Murphy, MD, in a press release. Murphy is CEO and chief medical officer of Nemus.
“We expect to formally present this data at an upcoming peer-reviewed scientific meeting. Nemus plans to examine developmental partnering opportunities with companies who may already have a presence in this therapeutic area but are looking to expand their portfolio into cannabinoids and/or companies developing novel delivery systems, especially those that permit bypassing first-pass metabolism in the liver,” Murphy said.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 91 Americans die from an opioid overdose (including prescription opioids and heroin) every day.
“The opioid epidemic has reached extreme proportions and we feel having a safer yet effective alternative is vital to both national and global health. We believe these compounds will have utility in managing a spectrum of pain conditions, from the quality-of-life debilitating pain associated with fibromyalgia to intense post-surgical pain. Our team looks forward to working with Nemus to explore a variety of treatment options in anticipation of future human studies,” said Kenneth J. Sufka, professor of psychology and pharmacology at UM.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) considers the development of abuse-deterrent opioid products a public health priority.