New process allows cannabis molecules to cross the blood-brain barrier

Nextage Therapeutics has developed a system that enables cannabis molecules to cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB) ​​and go straight to the brain. The technology is based on research from the Technion-Israel Institute of Technology and means that many side effects can be avoided and doses can be lowered when using cannabis medicinally.

Allowing medicine to pass through the BBB could represent a medical breakthrough in a range of treatments. Nextage's new technology is tailored for use with cannabinoids, but could also provide insight into other uses. Research from Nextage has shown that it is possible to pass a wide variety of chemicals through the BBB. The direct passage of drugs through the BBB could minimize the side effects of treatments that spread to other organs and lower the doses needed by increasing the bioavailability of the drug delivered directly to the brain.

Nextage will patent the new technology and begin negotiations with companies interested in using the technology to develop treatments for brain disease. The new technology could potentially help develop treatments for a wide variety of diseases, including Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, epilepsy, chronic pain, brain cancer, and various psychiatric conditions.