Cannabis Pharmaceuticals Announce Positive Results from Anti-Tumor Cannabinoid Study

Cannabics Pharmaceuticals announced today that it has received positive results from a pre-clinical study on the anti-tumor effects of cannabinoids on cancerous tumor cells. Using cancer cells taken from patient blood samples, researchers found that the cells were sensitive in various ways to both THC and THCA, which are the main active compounds in cannabis.

To find this out, researchers isolated circulating tumor cells, which are cancer cells that have detached from the main tumor and circulate throughout the body, in blood samples taken from breast cancer and prostate cancer patients. They then treated the cells with either THC or THCA and then monitored cell viability over time.

Researchers found that the compounds had different cell killing effects based on the dosage, type of cancer, and the substance’s composition. In a statement, Dr. Eyal Ballan, Cannabics co-founder and chief technology officer, praised the study results.

“The results of this latest study further validate Cannabics’ ability to perform cannabinoid sensitivity tests on liquid biopsies and indicate in vitro antitumor activity of these compounds, which should be further examined in clinical studies. While the current use of medical cannabis is largely used for palliative purposes when it comes to cancer, we are seeing a growing number of clinical studies on the antitumor effects of cannabinoids and predict we will start to see eventual FDA approvals of cannabinoids to treat various types of cancer. Our goal is to support the personalization of these treatments with our drug sensitivity and therapy monitoring tests,” commented Ballan.

These latest results come as Israelis await a decision from the country’s embattled Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, as to the status of medical cannabis exports. Earlier in February, Netanyahu rejected moves to allow medical cannabis exports, sending the issue back to advisers for further assessment. Although Israel’s Agriculture, Finance, and Justice ministries are strongly in favor of the measure; it is unclear as to how Netanyahu will rule. A decision is expected in the coming weeks.