Catalent, Ethicann Partner on Fast-Dissolve Cannabinoid Treatment for MS Spasticity

Catalent and Ethicann Pharmaceuticals have announced a partnership aimed at developing a new combination pharmaceutical-grade cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydricannabinol (THC) product to treat multiple sclerosis (MS) spasticity using Catalent’s orally disintegrating tablet technology (Zydis).

Muscular spasticity is a common symptom of MS and causes feelings of stiffness and involuntary muscle spasms. With the new Zydis product, Ethicann will investigate its effectiveness in patients that have shown inadequate response to other symptomatic treatments or those with difficulty tolerating the side effects of other treatments.

“CBDs and THCs are notoriously insoluble and poorly bioavailable so a Zydis sublingual dosage form provides a drug delivery solution by avoiding first pass metabolism,” said Jonathan Arnold, president of Catalent’s Oral and Specialty Delivery business unit, in a Dec. 3, 2019 press release. “Catalent has a proven track record in working with partners to bring new therapies to market quickly and we look forward to collaborating with Ethicann as it prepares for these important studies.”

Bruce Mackler, Ethicann’s president added, “We believe that Catalent’s Zydis technology could give Ethicann’s pharmaceutical cannabinoids a distinct advantage in the marketplace, allowing patients to ‘self-dose’ if approved to optimize therapeutic effect.”

Additionally, Ethicann is seeking to work with Catalent on other cannabinoid-based products, using the Zydis delivery platform, in the run up to clinical studies. These extra products include a combination of THC and CBD for the treatment of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV).

Source: Catalent