– Supports Investigation of its HUF-101 Drug Candidate Across a Range of Indications –

LOS ANGELES–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Phytecs is expanding its preclinical research program on its novel fluorinated cannabidiol, HUF-101, along with its family of related drug molecules developed by noted medicinal chemist and Phytecs Director of Global Research, Prof. Raphael Mechoulam of The Hebrew University of Jerusalem. A new preclinical study found HUF-101 effective in mice models predictive of anxiolytic, antidepressant, antipsychotic and anti-compulsive effects. The University of São Paulo study led by Prof. Francisco S. Guimarães entitled, “Fluorinated Cannabidiol Derivatives: Enhancement of Activity in Mice Models Predictive of Anxiolytic, Antidepressant and Antipsychotic Effects” was published in the journal PLOS ONE. Previous studies have indicated that cannabidiol (CBD), a non-psychoactive drug molecule found in cannabis, demonstrates activity in animal models of many psychiatric and neurological disorders. Positive results have also been noted in recent Phase 3 clinical trials of CBD in the treatment of pediatric seizure disorders. However, in many indications, high doses of CBD are required to elicit a therapeutic response. In contrast, HUF-101 was shown to be up to ten times more potent than CBD, and therefore effective at much smaller doses.

“Adding fluorine can improve the potency and efficacy of a drug molecule,” said Prof. Mechoulam, one of the paper’s authors and the scientist that first elucidated the structures of and synthesized THC and CBD in the laboratory. “Currently, nearly 20 percent of new pharmaceutical drugs are fluorinated. The study data demonstrate that HUF-101 may be ten times more potent than CBD, while presenting a similar safety profile. Based on these encouraging results, Phytecs has embarked upon an ambitious preclinical program exploring a range of therapeutic targets for HUF-101 and other fluorinated cannabinoid variants.”