Incannex Healthcare (ASX: IHL) will begin manufacturing its ReneCann therapeutic for clinical trials evaluating it in dermatological conditions caused by immune system disorders including vitiligo, psoriasis and atopic dermatitis (also referred to as eczema).
ReneCann is one of the numerous advanced therapeutics Incannex secured through its takeover of APIRx, which was finalised in August this year.
The company has engaged multinational contract development and manufacturing organisation Eurofins to begin manufacturing the unique topical formula, which combines cannabigerol (CBG) and cannabidiol (CBD).
According to Incannex, CBG is a psychoactive cannabinoid with potent anti-inflammatory properties.
Successful in-human studies
ReneCann has undergone a previous clinical study at the Maurits Clinic in the Netherlands. World renowned dermatologist Dr Marcus Meinardi led the trial which ran over a six-week period.
The study showed reduced disease scores in patients with each of the target skins diseases – vitiligo psoriasis and eczema.
Vitiligo sufferers reported a 10% reduction in disease score, while psoriasis patients had a 33% decrease and eczema 22%.
“In particular, results in participants with vitiligo are highly encouraging, partly because the incidence of the disease is high at 0.5-1% of the global population and treatments for it are limited,” Incannex stated.
Vitiligo occurs when pigment producing cells stop producing melanin – causing the loss of skin colour in patches. The discoloured areas generally become larger over time.
In the clinical study, ReneCann was associated with diffuse re-pigmentation and efficacy lasted for weeks eventually before depigmentation recurred.
Cannabinoid therapeutics
Incannex chief scientific officer Dr Mark Bleackley said ReneCann is the company’s first product to incorporate CBG, which is a minor cannabinoid.
“Expansion into minor cannabinoids provides us the opportunity to explore different activity profiles of this diverse family of molecules across a range of new therapeutic areas.”
Incannex is developing novel medicinal cannabis and psychedelic therapies to treat numerous conditions where there is a high unmet need.
Drugs actively under development and going through trials are designed to treat obstructive sleep apnoea, traumatic brain injury, concussion, lung inflammation, rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, anxiety and addiction disorders, as well as pain among many other indications.
