Avecho Biotechnology says its TPM CBD formulations have shown greater bioavailability in dogs than Epidyolex, one of the few approved cannabis-based medications on the market.
Interim results indicate TPM achieved absorption rates four times higher than Epidyolex based on the area-under-the-curve (AUC) measurement, with peak plasma concentration (Cmax) coming in two-and-a-half times higher.
Both AUC and Cmax are standard metrics used to assess how well a drug is absorbed by the body.
All tested formulations were given to dogs in a fasted state.
Avecho also highlighted that none of the TPM formulations produced any detectable gastrointestinal (GI) irritation in the animals.
The company noted that higher doses of CBD products, Epidyolex included, are commonly associated with diarrhoea and GI distress, and that dogs are an "especially sensitive model for the assessment of GI irritation".
"This GI irritation can be prohibitive for indications requiring high doses of CBD, and the industry has been looking for a way to increase the CBD dose without increasing the associated irritation," the company said. "TPM formulations may therefore be appropriate in the future for indications that require very high doses of CBD."
Avecho chief executive Paul Gavin said: "We have previously shown that our proprietary TPM formulations could increase the oral absorption of CBD in rats when compared to simple CBD oil formulations currently prescribed to patients in Australia.
"These formulations are now in clinical trials and will be entering Phase III clinical trials for an insomnia-related indication."
He said the findings validate the company's choice of formulation for its human trials targeting low-dose CBD approval, and "gives the product maximal chance of success in the upcoming Phase III".
Beyond its standalone performance, TPM also boosted bioavailability when combined with Epidyolex.
Avecho called this finding "especially noteworthy, as it demonstrates that TPM may be added to further products to increase their effectiveness".
"A growing number of companies are now looking for ways to formulate and commercially differentiate their medicinal cannabis products," the company said.
"Cannabinoid products with enhanced absorption, such as those identified in our recent animal studies, could offer significant therapeutic benefits to patients with commensurate commercial benefits to Avecho and its partners.
"In alignment with this, Avecho has recently begun formal business development outreach to the larger recreational cannabis space in North America, with this new data to be a feature of these discussions."
