UNC research shows effectiveness of cannabis in treating cancers
Tuesday May 14, 2019
GREELEY -- Research conducted by the University of Northern Colorado has confirmed that a cannabis-based approach may prove to be efficacious in the treatment of several different types of cancers.
UNC is doing research for a California-based company aimed at developing a cannabinoid therapy for serious forms of cancer, including brain cancer.
PharmaCyte Biotech, Inc. (OTCQB: PMCB), a biotechnology company focused on developing targeted cellular therapies for cancer and diabetes using its signature live-cell encapsulation technology, Cell-in-a-Box®, announced its research partner, the University of Northern Colorado, has bioengineered a human cell line designed to activate a cannabinoid prodrug in its quest to develop a Cell-in-a-Box/cannabinoid therapy for treating cancer.
“We now have a cell line into which the gene for a putative cannabinoid prodrug-activating enzyme has been ‘transfected’ or inserted into the cell’s DNA,” said Mark L. Rabe, PharmaCyte’s director of cannabis program development.
“The gene was synthesized de novo using knowledge of the underlying genetic code of the cell. The cell line is the same human cell line that will be used in PharmaCyte’s planned clinical trial in locally advanced, inoperable pancreatic cancer.
“The next step is to test the efficiency of the transfected cells in converting cannabinoid prodrugs into their active cancer-fighting forms. If the cells are suitably active, they would then be propagated to the point that they can then be encapsulated using the Cell-in-a-Box technology.
“Also, we will continue our analysis of other genes of interest that could be used in a similar way.”
“As we advance our Cell-in-a-Box + ifosfamide therapy for LAPC with the U.S. FDA through preparation and submission of an Investigational New Drug application, we are pleased to report on the work done at the University of Northern Colorado,” said Kenneth L. Waggoner, PharmaCyte’s CEO.
“Such news as this serves to contribute to PharmaCyte’s efforts as we work diligently to develop treatments for deadly diseases and build shareholder value.”
The current objective of PharmaCyte’s Cannabis Program is to develop targeted cannabinoid-based chemotherapy by bioengineering a cell line that produces a cannabinoid prodrug-activating enzyme, encapsulating this cell line utilizing the Cell-in-a-Box platform and implanting the encapsulated cells near the site of a tumor.
A cannabinoid prodrug would then be administered and activated at the site of the tumor where its anti-cancer effects are needed.
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