BACKGROUND
Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is a complex inflammatory disease of the sinonasal cavities, significantly impacting patients' quality of life and work productivity. In the United States, CRS affects between 2.3% and 12.1% of the population, with direct and indirect costs exceeding $30 billion annually. Current treatments include saline rinses, glucocorticoids, antibiotics, and anti-leukotriene agents, but these often provide limited relief. The endocannabinoid system, which modulates inflammation in various body systems, has emerged as a potential therapeutic target. Cannabidiol (CBD), a non-psychoactive cannabinoid from Cannabis sativa, has shown promise in reducing inflammation through indirect modulation of the endocannabinoid system.
TECHNOLOGY
This invention involves a CBD-based nasal rinse designed to treat CRS. The formulation includes CBD as the active pharmaceutical ingredient, dissolved in an excipient and diluted with water. The nasal rinse leverages CBD's anti-inflammatory properties, which are mediated through the endocannabinoid system. CBD acts by weakly inhibiting anandamide (AEA) enzymatic hydrolysis, stimulating phospholipase A2 activity, and inhibiting leukotriene B4 production. This indirect modulation avoids the psychoactive effects associated with direct CB1/CB2 receptor agonism. In murine models of CRS, the CBD-based nasal rinse significantly reduced inflammatory markers, including eosinophil count, degranulation, and epithelial thickness.
COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE
- Novel Formulation: First patented CBD-based nasal rinse for CRS, filling a gap in current therapeutic options.
- Targeted Anti-Inflammatory Action: Specifically designed to reduce inflammation in the sinonasal cavities.
- Non-Psychoactive: Utilizes CBD, which does not produce the psychoactive effects associated with THC.
- Validated Efficacy: Demonstrated significant reduction in inflammatory markers in animal studies.
APPLICATIONS
- CRS Treatment: Provides a new therapeutic option for patients suffering from chronic rhinosinusitis.
- Inflammatory Disease Management: Potentially applicable to other inflammatory conditions affecting the respiratory system.
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY STATUS
- Provisional patent (June 2024)
PROJECT STATUS
The CBD-based nasal rinse has been validated in murine models, showing significant reductions in CRS-related inflammation. Further development and clinical trials are planned to evaluate its efficacy and safety in human patients.
KEYWORDS
Chronic rhinosinusitis, CBD, cannabidiol, nasal rinse, anti-inflammatory, endocannabinoid system, sinonasal inflammation.
