Future Indications
Whilst our focus at OCT is on how we can harness the therapeutic benefits of cannabinoids in pain and oncology, we know the Endocannabinoid System (ECS) is implicated in many more chronic and debilitating conditions, for example in neurological conditions.
Neurology
The targeting of cannabinoid receptors on the cells of the central and peripheral nervous system has shown potential in treating debilitating neurological and neurodegenerative disorders such as multiple sclerosis (MS), Parkinson’s, and Alzheimer’s, and epilepsy. Nabiximols, a combination of THC and CBD, has been clinically shown to ameliorate MS-related symptoms, particularly muscle spasticity, pain and stiffness, and bladder dysfunction. In addition, CBD, commercialised as Epidiolex®, is the standard-of-care for a rare form of epilepsy which starts in children (Lennox-Gastaut syndrome).
Autoimmunity and Inflammation
Cannabinoid receptors are also expressed on the surface of cells of the immune system where they play an important role in proliferation, apoptosis (programmed cell death), and production of immunomodulators, such as cytokines and chemokines, and other molecules that play important roles in inflammation and inflammatory pain. Data from preclinical studies in rheumatoid arthritis, systemic sclerosis, fibromyalgia and osteoarthritis suggests that cannabinoids have therapeutic potential in inflammatory and autoimmune disorders. The anti-inflammatory potential of cannabinoids may also benefit neurological disorders where special cells of the immune system called microglia cause damage to the neurons.
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