VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwired - Nov. 4, 2015) - InMed Pharmaceuticals Inc. ("InMed") (CSE:IN)(OTCQB:IMLFF), a biopharmaceutical company specializing in the research and development of novel, cannabinoid-based therapies would like to provide an update on the progress of INM-750, its lead product in development for epidermolysis bullosa (EB), a serious and severe genetically inherited skin disorder.
INM-750 is a topical formulation of phytocannabinoids that have been carefully selected using our proprietary bioinformatics discovery platform to treat: (i) the underlying cause of the disease in patients with epidermolysis bullosa simplex (the most common form of the disease), and (ii) to treat the major symptoms of the disease in all patients with EB.
InMed's initial pre-clinical studies were focused on studying the potential of INM-750 to treat the cause of the disease by modulating the expression of the various keratins that are critical to maintaining the integrity of the skin. We have previously reported that InMed has been able to demonstrate that certain phytocannabinoids are able to positively influence the expression of the key keratins K5, K6, K14, K15 and K16. We continue to make progress in studying the effect of different cannabinoids at different doses on keratin expression, and a summary of our initial results are now available on our website.
InMed is now pleased to report that INM-750 has demonstrated positive effects in pre-clinical studies on wound healing and in inflammation. InMed has been studying the potential of certain cannabinoids to expedite the wound healing process using the electric cell-substrate impedance sensing (ECIS) wounding assay. The ECIS wounding assay is a state-of-the-art assay that replaces the traditional scrape or scratch assay. Using this assay, InMed has been able to identify certain cannabinoids that significantly potentiate the wound healing process, when compared to other less active cannabinoids, or to the vehicle control. Dr. Sazzad Hossain, Chief Scientific Officer of InMed, stated, "The results we are obtaining with the ECIS wound assay are significant for the development of INM-750. Through the use of the ECIS assay we are able to demonstrate the wound healing and skin regeneration properties of INM-750; these properties will be critical to help alleviate the primary symptoms of patients with EB".
In addition to the ECIS studies, InMed has also studied the anti-inflammatory effect of certain cannabinoids included in INM-750. It has been demonstrated that cannabinoids included in INM-750 are able to down regulate the production of IL-8 by human keratinocytes, and inhibit IFNɣ/TNF⍺ induced production of IL-6 by human keratinocytes. Dr. Sazzad states, "These results are important to demonstrate that in addition to having an effect on wound healing, the cannabinoids included in INM-750 should also help down regulate the chronic inflammation that is present in EB patients".
InMed continues to develop INM-750 with the goal of entering the clinic in the first half of 2016. Initial proof of concept studies in human subjects should be completed by the end of 2016. Paul Brennan, CEO of InMed says "I am pleased with the progress of our development program, and the data that has been generated by Dr. Hossain and his colleagues. INM-750 has the potential to provide a significant addition to the treatment options for patients with EB and EBS."
A summary of the pre-clinical results on INM-750 is available on InMed's website under the Investors and the Pipeline sections.
About Epidermolysis bullosa simplex (EBS)
Epidermolysis bullosa simplex (EBS) is one of the major forms of epidermolysis bullosa (EB), a group of genetic conditions that cause the skin to be very fragile and to blister easily. It is a result of a defect in anchoring between the epidermis and the dermis, resulting in friction and skin fragility. The severity of this condition ranges from mild to lethal. There is no cure or approved treatments for EB. Wound care, pain management and preventative bandaging are currently the only options available.
About InMed
InMed is a preclinical stage biopharmaceutical company that specializes in developing novel therapies through the research and development into the pharmacology of cannabinoids combined with innovative drug delivery systems. InMed's proprietary platform technology, product pipeline and accelerated development pathway are the fundamental value drivers of the company. For more information, visit www.inmedpharma.com.
Forward Looking Statements
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Contact Information:
Paul Brennan
President and Chief Executive Officer
604.669.7207
paul@inmedpharma.com
Chris Bogart
SVP, Corporate Strategy and Investor Relations
604.669.7207
chris@inmedpharma.com