Designing and engineering scalable lipid-based drug delivery systems to improve the delivery and bioactivity of cannabinoids

It is clear that Cannabis has therapeutic activity. The evidence comes from a long history of use for managing disease symptoms including pain, inflammation and anxiety. However, there is a paucity of scientifically rigorous research exploring the specific activity of Cannabinoids in the body under both normal and disease states. With the legalization of Cannabis in Canada, we have a unique opportunity to delve into robust research programs to enhance our understanding of the pharmaceutical properties of Cannabinoids. It is essential to gain a fulsome understanding of the components of Cannabis and their specific mechanisms of action in order to harness the therapeutic potential of the plant in the treatment of a wide variety of physiological conditions including inflammation, pain and anxiety. To do this work, it is necessary to identify the chemical entities that are medically useful and examine the structure and function in isolation while at the same time designing chemical formulations that will optimize delivery and absorption of the active agent to make it therapeutically available.

Faculty Supervisor:

Jessica Kalra

Student:

Partner:

Avicanna Inc

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Manufacturing; Professional, scientific and technical services

University:

The University of British Columbia

Program: