InMed, University of Debrecen to develop new phytocannabinoid therapies for ocular allergies

Under the deal, InMed’s Intelligent Cannabinoid Drug Design Platform (IDP) will be used to identify cannabinoid- and non-cannabinoid-based phytochemicals for ocular therapies focused on reducing various pro-inflammatory cytokines in in vitro and in vivo models.

The development will be led by Dr Tamas Biro, who has extensive research experience in studying the endocannabinoid system (ECS) and the closely related transient receptor potential (TRP) channels in various human diseases.

InMed chief scientific officer Dr Sazzad Hossain said: "We have accumulated significant experience and expertise in developing cannabinoids to treat ocular disease, which forms the basis of this strategic collaboration.

"As we prepare to initiate Phase I clinical trials of our lead phytocannabinoid-based drug candidate CTI-085 for glaucoma, we look forward to expanding our ophthalmic therapy pipeline by developing ocular anti-allergic drugs, where we expect Dr. Biro’s 18 years of experience in this specialty field to be invaluable."

The company is focused on developing cannabis-based therapies through the research and development into the extensive pharmacology of cannabinoids coupled with new drug delivery systems.