Scientists at the University of South Australia have created a new formulation designed to make cannabidiol (CBD) more effective in treating epilepsy, multiple sclerosis and other neurodegenerative conditions.
CBD is widely prescribed for its analgesic, anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties, but its clinical usefulness has long been constrained by poor water solubility and limited absorption in the body.
The research team engineered a phospholipid complex — a category of phosphorus-containing lipids — that increases CBD's solubility by up to six times and enhances its uptake in the gastrointestinal tract.
Lead researcher Professor Sanjay Garg said the findings, published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences, could allow patients to achieve more consistent and effective outcomes from oral CBD medications at lower doses.
At present, only a small portion of orally administered CBD actually reaches the bloodstream, which curtails its therapeutic impact, Professor Garg said.
"For this reason, a number of different formulations have been explored, including the production of synthetic CBD, self-emulsifying delivery systems, and encapsulating CBD in gelatine matrix pellets, but all of them have only resulted in minor improvements in bioavailability," he added.
The researchers identified the ideal phospholipid composition for forming nanosized CBD-PLC particles. When compared with pure CBD, the complex pushed dissolution rates from 0% to 67.1% within three hours, reflecting a substantial improvement in drug release.
Cell uptake experiments showed CBD-PLC achieved 32.7% higher permeability than unmodified CBD, meaning a greater proportion is absorbed through the intestinal wall.
The team also determined that the new delivery system holds up better over time than conventional CBD formulations, which tend to break down when exposed to heat, light or oxygen, diminishing both potency and shelf life.
Twelve months of testing confirmed that CBD-PLC maintained its performance across a range of storage conditions, making it a more dependable option for pharmaceutical use, the researchers said.
The study's first author, UniSA PhD candidate Thabata Muta, said the findings carry significant implications for the development of CBD-based treatments.
"Improved bioavailability means lower doses can achieve the same therapeutic effect, potentially reducing side effects and making treatment more cost effective," she said.
The research team believes the approach could extend beyond CBD and offer a pathway for improving the absorption of other poorly water-soluble drugs.
The team is now pursuing commercialisation opportunities and clinical trials to validate the formulation.
The study received support through a PhD scholarship jointly funded by the University of South Australia, MedTEC Pharma, and the SA Government's Industry Doctoral Training Centre program.
