Development of Prophylactic Therapy to Reduce COVID-19 Infections

Working with Avicanna Inc., a Canadian biopharmaceutical company with advanced natural cannabinoid solutions, we will develop an easy-to-use preventative treatment, in the form of a mouthwash and/or throat gargle product, for both clinical and at-home use. A critical step of the infection is when the virus enters human host cells, which is enabled by the interaction between the spike protein on the surface of the viral particle and the Angiotensin I Converting Enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor on the surface of human cells. To understand this fundamental mechanisms of action, we will use specialized assays, chemical analysis, and 3D tissue models. Being able to hire an intern will enable us to identify and find the optimum levels of cannabinoids (and terpenes) that interfere with the formation of the S-ACE2 complex, to inform the manufacturing process, in order to help develop our novel approach to prevent and treat COIVID-19 infections.

Faculty Supervisor:

Kingsley Donkor;John Church

Student:

Iran Ocaña-Rios

Partner:

Avicanna Inc

Discipline:

Physics / Astronomy

Sector:

Professional, scientific and technical services

University:

Thompson Rivers University