InMed Pharmaceuticals’ Positive Market Response to Cannabinoid Analog INM-901 for Alzheimer’s Treatment

InMed Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: INM) is advancing its drug candidate INM-901 as an oral formulation for Alzheimer’s disease. The company specializes in developing proprietary small molecule drug candidates targeting CB1/CB2 receptors. Promising preclinical trial results led InMed to push forward with this development program.

INM-901 Shows Neuroprotective Effects and Enhances Neuronal Function in Alzheimer’s

InMed is investigating INM-901, a small molecule cannabinoid analog, for its potential in treating Alzheimer’s disease. INM-901 may provide a unique treatment approach by targeting multiple biological pathways linked to Alzheimer’s. Studies have shown INM-901’s neuroprotective effects and its ability to extend neurite length, which indicates enhanced neuronal function. Notably, this therapeutic effect is absent in current Alzheimer’s treatments. InMed has conducted several in vitro and in vivo studies, which have produced promising, disease-modifying results specifically related to reducing neuroinflammation. Moreover, recent preclinical research confirmed that INM-901 can be administered orally while maintaining similar therapeutic effects as intraperitoneal injections.

Additionally, INM-901’s oral formulation was found to sustain comparable drug exposure levels to intraperitoneal injections over 24 hours. This oral delivery method offers several advantages, including lower treatment delivery costs compared to intravenous antibody therapies. However, large molecule therapies, often requiring IV or subcutaneous delivery, face challenges with oral formulation, absorption in the gastrointestinal tract, and bloodstream delivery. These therapies also come with side effects, such as brain inflammation and bleeding, necessitating constant monitoring and regular brain scans. Therefore, InMed Pharmaceuticals aims to address these issues with INM-901’s oral formulation, which may offer better absorption and ease of administration.

Rare Cannabinoids in InMed’s Pipeline Target Alzheimer’s, Ocular, and Dermatological Conditions

As a clinical-stage company, Inmed is focused on developing small molecule drug candidates that target CB1/CB2 receptors. The company’s pipeline includes three programs aimed at treating Alzheimer’s disease, ocular conditions, and dermatological indications. InMed, along with its subsidiary BayMedica, has expertise in developing proprietary manufacturing processes to produce cannabinoids for various market segments. InMed manufactures rare minor cannabinoids, including cannabichromene (CBC), tetrahydrocannabivarin (d9-THCV), cannabidivarin (CBDV), and cannabicitran (CBTC). Their pipeline features three pharmaceutical programs, including a completed Phase 2 trial for epidermolysis bullosa (EB), and ongoing research in Alzheimer’s disease and age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

The company has recently been issued three U.S. patents for these assets. INM-755 is granted in the U.S., Australia, Japan, and Israel, with pending status in other regions. Further, a biosynthesis process for manufacturing proprietary cannabinoid analogs effective from September 3, 2024, is granted in the U.S. Additionally, the ocular drug delivery patent is granted in multiple jurisdictions, including the U.S., Europe, and India.

Rare Cannabinoids and Expanding Markets for Alzheimer’s Therapeutics Present Emerging Opportunities

Rare cannabinoids, gaining interest for their potential medical benefits, differ from natural cannabinoids in that InMed’s proprietary analogs are patentable and recognized as new chemical entities (NCEs). These analogs are expected to offer similar or enhanced therapeutic effects compared to naturally occurring cannabinoids. Furthermore, InMed holds a strong intellectual property portfolio with 13 patent families covering the manufacturing, use, and formulation of rare cannabinoids. This portfolio includes a broad patent application for creating novel cannabinoid compounds, biosynthetic pathways, and methods for producing both natural cannabinoids and their analogs.

The Alzheimer’s therapeutics market is set for substantial growth due to an aging global population and rising disease prevalence. Valued at $4.05 billion in 2022, the market is expected to expand at a CAGR of 19.99% from 2023 to 2030. The demand for effective therapies to halt or slow the disease’s progression drives this growth. Market research by InsightAce Analytic reveals that the global cannabinoid-derived pharmaceutical market was valued at $636.8 million in 2021. The market is projected to reach $11.24 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 37.7%. Factors driving this growth include increasing CBD-related clinical research, ongoing trials of cannabis-based drugs, and rising awareness of cannabidiol products’ medical benefits.

Author

Bernice Lottering