Canabis Medical announced that it continues to achieve ongoing results, including publishing research findings in international academic journals.
Canabis Medical revealed on the 18th that it developed a three-dimensional culture system using decellularized extracellular matrix derived from brain tissue and published research results inducing astrocytes very similar to those in the human body in the global academic journal Acta Biomaterialia. The company is collaborating with Professor Inseong Choi's team at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) to research and develop cannabidiol (CBD), a major component of medical cannabis.
Astrocytes are star-shaped neuroglial cells with many extending processes, existing in the brain and spinal cord, responsible not only for supporting neurons but also for various physiological functions including neuronal differentiation. To date, conventional in vitro cell culture methods have limitations as they differ from the human body, preventing neuroglial cells from fully maturing.
The research team observed that star-shaped astrocytes with sufficient processes were induced in the three-dimensional culture system developed using pig brain tissue. They also confirmed that the induced astrocytes extended neurites of hippocampal neurons. The company emphasized that the three-dimensional culture system developed from brain tissue creates a structurally and biochemically similar environment to the human brain, which can be very useful for understanding the nervous system and developing treatments for neurological diseases.
Recently, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services reported that marijuana dependency is low to moderate and recommended downgrading it to a Schedule III drug, similar to ketamine and testosterone. A company representative said, “The news that marijuana’s risk level may be downgraded in the controlled substance classification system is expected to lead to normalization across the industry,” adding, “With the federal government’s recognition of marijuana’s medical value, the 280E tax regulation, considered an obstacle to industry growth, is also expected to be terminated.”
Osung Advanced Materials holds 50.85% of Canabis Medical’s shares, and Hwail Pharmaceuticals holds 49.15%. The company holds patents related to medical cannabis for degenerative brain diseases and continues research and development using medical cannabis in collaboration with KAIST.
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