Main Objectives

  1. Investigate the preclinical toxicology and safety profile of the SCs
  2. Investigate their effect in a chronic neuropathic pain model
  3. Select, create and test, a combined, transdermal, SC – nano-system, using our patent pending technology
  4. Investigate SCs effect on breast cancer cells in animal model

Project executive summary

Chemotherapy-induced chronic neuropathy (CIN) affects 30% of cancer patients. Treating CIN is a currently unmet clinical, social and economic challenge, with the current standard of care having significant side effects and low efficacy. CB1 and CB2 endocannabinoid receptors are widely expressed in the central nervous system, and the activation of the CB1 receptor inhibits the pain transmission and perception.

CB receptors are a promising target for the treatment of CIN. However, natural cannabinoids are unreliable and synthetic cannabinoids (SCs) remain unsearched.

The aim of this project is to investigate and assess the potential effect of 4 SCs, high CB1/CB2 affinity, untested on CIN. A complete set of in vitro (DRG neurons) and in vivo animal studies supported by PET/MRI &ultrasound imaging; histology tests and LC/MS quantification will help accomplish the objectives of this original proposal. Translating SCs into the clinic is not an easy challenge, but identifying innovative approaches for treating CIN holds the promise of improving the daily life of millions of cancer survivors.