Curtin University, and Perth’s Little Green Pharma Ltd (LGP), have joined forces to explore the use of medicinal cannabis treatment options for obesity and related health issues.
Led by Prof. Marco Falasca from Curtin’s Medical School, they will identify combinations of cannabinoids that may produce effects in the gastrointestinal tract to induce a feeling of fullness and a decrease in appetite, leading to weight loss and even diabetes reversion.
Curtin and LGP research to offer utility treatment options
The research could be a game-changer for those struggling with obesity and type 2 diabetes.
“I am delighted to start this collaboration with Little Green Pharma Ltd and we are very thankful for having the opportunity to expand my research in the field of medicinal cannabis in relation to obesity and gastrointestinal diseases,” Professor Falasca said.
“Obesity is an epidemic globally with at least 2.8 million people dying annually as a result of being overweight or obese and current drugs have significant adverse side effects.”
“Some of the more than one hundred cannabinoids that are present in the cannabis plant are cannabinoids that have been shown to have therapeutic potential for obesity.”
“Our research seeks to understand the role that cannabinoids can play in regulating gut function, their mechanism of action and optimal dosing for therapeutic effect for weight loss.”
Curtin and LGP to try human trials
The research will allow Curtin and LGP to move to the next phase of testing in human trials.
The global obesity treatment drug market was valued at $729.9 million in 2019 and is forecast to reach US$1.08 billion by 2027, at a compounded annual growth rate of 5.0%.
LGP’s Head of Research and Innovation Dr Leon Warne said that LGP will fund the study in three stages, with the final stage anticipated to be completed by February 2023.
“Little Green Pharma Ltd is excited to commence this investigation into a novel proprietary treatment option for obesity and related diseases,” Dr Warne said.
“Supporting this type of research, which studies the use of medicinal cannabis in difficult to treat conditions, is a cornerstone of our business and key to our R&D strategy.”
