david potter
TRANSCRIPT
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Cannabis �–
From Bench to Bedside
Dr David Potter JP
GW Pharma
Ltd
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Outline of talk
•
Cannabis History and Legal Issues
•
GW Pharma
�–
Early Days
•
Cannabis Botany and Pharmacology
•
Cannabinoid Biosynthesis
•
Changes in illicit �‘medicinal�’
cannabis
•
Licensed medicinal cannabis propagation
•
Processing and formulation
•
Looking ahead
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Medicinal Cannabis History
Recorded medicinal use:
Sumeria (3000 BCE), China (2600 BCE),Egypt (1600 BCE), India (1500 BCE).
Introduced to Britain from India by Dr WB o’Shaughnessy
His tinctures of cannabis found various uses:
analgesic, muscle relaxant, anticonvulsant, oxytocic,
hypnotic, bronchodilator.Robson P. 2009 Forbidden Drugs
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Cannabis appears in Merck�’s Manual 1899
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Medicinal cannabis: reasons for decline
•
Variable potency
•
Unreliable supply
•
Poor stability
•
Unpredictable response by oral route
•
Lack of clarity over dose
•
Increasing emphasis on synthetic drugs
•
Increasing concern over recreational use
•
Declared Schedule 1 Drug in Misuse of Drugs Act 1971
Notcutt
W, 2004. Cannabis in the treatment of chronic pain. In The Medicinal Use of Cannabis and Cannabinoids
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As 20th
Century Closes
A growing medical acceptance of cannabis
•
1997 BMA Therapeutic Uses of Cannabis
•
1998: UK House of LordsSelect Committee Inquiry into Medicinal Cannabis
•
1999: US Institute of Medicine Report: -Marijuana and Medicine
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THC effects on tremor in MS Just one example of proven efficacy
Clifford CB 1983. Tetrahydrocannabinol
for tremor in MS. Annals of Neurology; 13: 13-15
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GW Early days �–
Autumn 1998
Britain’s first government-licensed cannabis is to be harvested secretly this week by a specially
vetted team of mature botanists.
No younger staff were employed because of fears that they might mix business with pleasure.
The crop has been guarded round the clock as hundreds of fully potent plants have reached eight feet in the past four months.
Only GW and the Home Office know the location of the greenhouse in southern England.
The Times. 28th December 1998
The first crop is hung to dry
The Guardian. 5th January 1999
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Cannabis Pharmacology
THCA CBD
Main active ingredients are the (phyto)cannabinoids
- terpenophenolic
compounds unique to Cannabis sativa
70 identified -
a neglected pharmacological treasure trove (Mechoulam. Br J Pharmacol. 2005 December)
The most studied are THC and CBD
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Interaction of cannabinoids and cannabinoid receptors
CB1
cannabinoid receptors found in mammalian brain and CNS (Devane
et al 1988), subsequently cloned (Matsuda et al 1990)
Member of superfamiliy
of G-protein-linked receptors, through which over half of all known drugs work (Alberts
et al 2002)
CB2
receptors found in spleen macrophages, not CNS (Pertwee 1997), and appear to regulate cytokinine
activity
altering cell-to-cell communication (Pertwee 2004)
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Interaction of cannabinoids andcannabinoid receptors‘Phytocannabinoid’ function explained by discovery of‘endocannabinoids’ (Devane et al 1992)
Synthetic cannabinoids (eg WIN 55,212-2) can also act as CB receptor agonists
WIN 55,212-2
Interaction of endo or phyto-
cannabinoids with the CB1
receptor in the eukaryote cell and
effects on cAMP, ERK activity and
ion channelling. (Ross 2007).
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Interaction of cannabinoids and cannabinoid receptors
THC interacts with CB1
receptor causing psychoactivity
(BMA 1997)
CBD (cannabidiol) has a weak affinity for CB1
and CB2
receptors but has significant levels of antipsychotic effects
CBD and THC equally potent neuroprotective
antioxidant properties
caryophyllene
binds to CB2
. Anti-inflammatory in mice (Gertsch
2008)
Monoterpenes
also thought to interact with cannabinoids (McPartland and Russo 2001)
Cannabis plant extracts significantly more active than cannabinoids alone (Williamson and Evans 2000)
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THC Distribution in Female Cannabis
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Female (right)
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Foliar and floral secondarymetabolites
Foliar and floral tissues differ in terpene profile
Leaves: - High sesquiterpene (C15)Low monoterpene (C10)
Flowers: - Low sequiterpene (C15)High monoterpene (C10)
Myrcene C10H16 caryophyllene C15H24
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Cannabis Trichomes Seven day old cannabis leaf
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Capitate Sessile Trichome on Cannabis sativa
L
Cannabinoids and essential oils are secreted by cells at the base of the trichome, and sequestered in the space above.
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Ageing Sessile Trichomes on Cannabis sativa
L
Sessile trichomes
on fresh sample of Cannabis sativa
Sessile trichomes
on ancient sample of Cannabis sativa
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Aged Sessile Trichomes on Cannabis sativa L
Russo EB, Jiang HE, Li X, Sutton A, Carboni
A, del Bianco
F, Mandolino
G, Potter DJ, et al
Phytochemical and genetic analyses of ancient cannabis from Central Asia. J. Exp. Bot. 59, 15, 4171-4182
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Capitate stalked trichomes
Typical terpene
profile: -25% bitter sesquiterpenes
and 75% fragrant monoterpenes
Likely functions phytophagous
predators repellent?
100 m
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Capitate Stalked Trichomes on Female Inflorescence
The pubescence of trichomes
acts as a garment, insulating the plant tissue.
Infra red and UV light are reflected. The plant is thus protected from heat and sun burn.
Insect movement is slowed, but above all the material tastes repugnant.
THE PROPAGATION, CHARACTERISATION AND OPTIMISATION OF CANNABIS SATIVA L AS A PHYTOPHARMACEUTICAL
David Potter PhD Thesis. Kings College London. May 2009
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Insect Entrapment in Cannabis sativa
L
Beware of the flowers, (‘cos I am sure they’re going to get you yeah!)
John Otway
Cotton-melon aphid irreversibly glued to cannabis trichomes. The aphid can emit alarm pheromones, warning others. Another possible minor benefit of trichomes
but�…�….
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Trichomes �– an inherited aid to survival
Individuals having any advantage,
however slight, over others, would have the best chance of
surviving and procreating their
kind.
The Origin of Species Charles Darwin JP
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Principal forms of illicit cannabis
Traditional Resin
Imported Herbal
Sinsemilla (Skunk)
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Decline in Dominance of Cannabis Resin
Mwenda et al. Home Office (2005) Findings 265 - Seizures of Drugs in England and Wales 2003
Potter DJ, Clark P and Brown MB. (2008) Journal of Forensic Sciences; 53:1 90-94
King L and Hardwick S (2008) Home Office Cannabis Potency Study
01020304050607080
1994
1995
1996
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
2005
2008
Year
Resi
n %
of T
otal
Sei
zure
s
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2005 �‘Effective�’
potency summary CBD in decline in illicit UK Cannabis
Potter DJ, Clark P and Brown MB. (2008) Journal of Forensic Sciences; 53:1 90-94
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
Resin Seeded Sinsemilla EffectiveMean
% C
anna
bino
id w
/w
THCCBDCBN
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Phyto Cannabinoid Biosynthesis �‘Co dominant Monogenic Control�’
GPP + Olivetolic Acid
CBG
CBD
BT BD
De Meijer, E. P. M. et al. (2003). Genetics 163: 335-346. Inheritance of Chemical Phenotype in Cannabis sativa L.
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Phyto Cannabinoid Biosynthesis �‘Co dominant Monogenic Control�’
ᄛ BT BD x BT BD ᄝ
BT BT BT BD BT BD BD BD
+CBD +CBD CBDHomozygous THC producing BT BT genotypes
are typically selected for recreational use
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THC dominance of commercial cannabis varieties
52 varieties tested.
48 entirely THC dominant.
4 produced a few plants with mixed THC / CBD profile
Overall 97% of plants were THC dominantExamples of Commercial Cannabis Seeds
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Varying Cannabinoid Ratios in Resin 2005 Highly variable cannabinoid content and profile
% CBN % CBD
% THC
Average Content (median)
THC 3.5%
CBD 4.2%
CBN 1.6%
n = 169
David Potter PhD Thesis. Kings College London. 2009
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Variable Cannabinoid Content and Profile of Heterozygous BT
BD
cannabis
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
42.8 39.3 41.7 40.4 40.0 40.6 39.5 40.7 40.5
Plant NumberProportion THC %
% C
anna
bino
id w
/w
CBDTHC
Mature floral material was analysed from nine heterozygous plants with mixed CBD/THC profiles. Cannabinoid content and cannabinoid profile were variable
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Other Sources of THC+CBD
•
Bediol®approximately 6 % THC, approximately 7.5 % CBD,
available as Cannabis Flos Bediol®
granulate.
•
Smoking not recommended.
•
A vaporizer can be used
•
Ingestion as herbal tea is also recommended.
http://www.bedrocan.nl/english/products/bediol.html
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Advantages and disadvantages of indoor cannabis growing
Sativex is a ‘botanical drug’
: -
A well categorised , multi-component drug extracted from plant sources
Variations in outdoor environment might be expected to affect the balance of these multiple components
The glasshouse offers more environmental control and security.
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Optimised Growth Medium and Irrigation
Minimal hand watering for 3 weeks, until roots established
Automated systems apply water through to harvest
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Biological Pest Control
Parasitised
Aphids
Feltiela with spider mite
Wasp parasitising
white fly
No pesticides
8 -
10 beneficial insect species regularly used
Mean temperature maintained
at 25ºC
Ambleseius with thrip
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Year round bright light at 50°N
May 2000
Mercury Vapour Lamps,
17 W m-2 PAR
Feb 2010
High Pressure Sodium Lamps,
55 W m-2
PAR
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Monthly average yield, significant increase
(ANOVA, p < 0.001)
Monthly yield uniformity, significant improvement
(F-test, p = 0.013)
Average THC BRM yields before and after improvements (±
sd)
(n
4 crops per month)
Year round bright light at 50°N
0
100
200
300
400
500
600
700
JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC
Harvest Month
BRM
g/s
q m
MercurySodium
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Initial vegetative phase 3 weeks of continual lighting optimum
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Inflorescence development after the critical day length
1st
week in flower 3rd
week in flower
6th
week in flower 8th
week in flower
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Flowering phase 8 Weeks of 12 hour days
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Cannabis Production in Eleven Weeks
Uniform mature plants awaiting harvest
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Strictly controlled growing conditions
•
Genetic
Stock Clones (cuttings) of selected chemotypes
•
Growth Medium
Bespoke recipe, strictly controlled
•
Vegetative Growth
3 weeks in continuous lighting
•
Flowering
8 weeks in 12 hour days
•
Plant Spacing
Identical for all batches
•
Temperature
Daily average 25°C (±
2°C)
•
Light Intensity
Minimum 75 Wm-2 PAR
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Manufacture of API Overview
API(THC and CBD BDS)
Milling
Decarboxylation
CO2 Extraction
Winterisation
Isolation
Botanical Raw Material(THC and CBD BRM)
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Development of FormulationMinimal Aqueous Solubility
43
BDS 70 - 75% Cannabinoids
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Manufacture of Sativex® Overview
API(THC and CBD BDS)
Sativex Finished Product
Bulk Solution
Filling Packaging
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Sativex®
Oro-mucosal spray
(THC) 9-Tetrahydrocannabinol 27mg/ml
(CBD) Cannabidiol 25mg/ml
Excipients:
Ethanol Anhydrous
Propylene Glycol
Peppermint Oil
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Phase III MS Spasticity Trial: Change in Spasticity scores
-0.4
-0.2
0
0.2
0.4
0.6
0.8
Week 0
Week 1
Week 2
Week 3
Week 4
Week 5
Week 6
Week 7
Week 8
Week 9
Week 10
Week 11
Week 12
LOCF
SativexPlacebo
Det
erio
ratio
nin
spa
stic
itysc
ore
p=0.0002
Baseline scores Sativex: 3.87Placebo: 3.92
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Phase III MS Spasticity Trial: Change in Spasm scores
-1
-0.5
0
0.5
1
1.5
2
2.5
3
Week 0
Week 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
LOCF
SativexPlacebo
Det
erio
ratio
n in
spa
sm fr
eque
ncy
Baseline scores: Sativex: 5.61Placebo: 5.29
p=0.005
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Sativex in the clinical setting
•
Approved in Canada for Neuropathic Pain in MS in mid 2005
Extended to Cancer Pain Aug 07
•
UK Named Patient Programme
Since 2004. 2500+ patients
•
EuropeOpen access throughout Spain
Mutual Recognition Mar 2011
Approval expected in Germany, Sweden, Italy, Denmark, Austria and Czech Republic.
•
Rest of the WorldPatients in 27 countries
•
USACurrently undergoing late stage clinical development for treatment of cancer pain
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Sativex®
Approved in Canada as adjunctive analgesic in patients with advanced cancer, experiencing moderate/severe pain during highest tolerated dose of strong opioid therapy.
Cancer pain also lead target indication for approval of Sativex in the US.
Two positive Phase II trials supported advance into Phase III studies. These in latter planning stages and to be completed before regulatory
submission in US and rest of the world.
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Cannabis Biosynthesis
GPPR1
- C3
H7 diverinic
acidR2
– C5
H11 olivetolic
acid
CBG(V)
CBC(V) CBD(V)THC(V)
I II III
I.
CBC Synthase
Km
23 M kcat
0.04 s-1
II. THC Synthase
Km
137 Mkcat
0.20 s-1
III. CBD Synthase
Km
134 Mkcat
0.19 s-1
Plant breeding is producing chemotypes
rich in a range of cannabinoids
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Pure Cannabinoids as NCEs
CBG CBD
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GW Pipeline March 2011
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Sativex®: A valuable new medicine
BBC Panorama 2001Bedside Relief
Cannabis-based medicine has meant a whole new outlook on life because of having a good night�’s sleep, pain free.
And being able to feed myself breakfast, feed myself lunch, feed myself dinner.
It makes me feel normal which is all I�’m asking.