Scientists Develop New Medicines from Cannabis-Based Cannabinoid Acids
Rafael Mechoulam, known as the father of cannabis research, together with colleagues from the American biotech company EPM, has synthesized new compounds from cannabinoid acids. The team plans to use these substances as the foundation for innovative cannabis-based medicines.
Acids Surpass Cannabinoids in Therapeutic Potential
Mechoulam explained their discovery: “EPM experts have invented a method for working with the original substances found in cannabis. Right now, everyone is talking about THC and CBD, but these cannabinoids are actually secondary substances, as they appear in the plant due to environmental factors. Cannabis synthesizes acids—mysterious elements that are more potent than cannabinoids.”
According to Rafael, the molecules of cannabinoid acids are unstable, making them unsuitable for pharmaceutical use. The method developed by the legendary chemist involves stabilizing the acids through esterification (a reaction that forms esters when acids and alcohols interact). Using this technology, the lab created a new substance—methyl ester of cannabidiolic acid (code name EPM301)—and patented it. EPM’s director, Reshef Swisa, stated that esterification can be used to synthesize a stable analog of any cannabinoid acid.
Cannabis as an Alternative to Steroids and Opioids
Mechoulam noted that methyl esters of cannabinoid acids have a stronger healing effect than cannabinoids and do not cause side effects. The research group conducted preliminary tests of EPM301 and found that the substance suppresses nausea, relieves anxiety, and reduces inflammation. As a result, the team plans to study how the compound affects symptoms of various conditions related to inflammation, vomiting, or anxiety, such as psoriasis and cancer.
Rafael shared his thoughts on the prospects of medical cannabis: “We need new drugs to fight several diseases, and some existing medications cause severe side effects. We must find alternatives for two groups of substances: steroids and opioids. In our opinion, cannabis can replace them. We compared EPM301, prednisone, and a biological drug and proved that they have similar effects on the symptoms of inflammatory bowel diseases.”
EPM’s management is confident that within the next few years, the company will be able to bring a line of medicines based on methyl esters of cannabinoid acids to market. These drugs will compete not only with existing treatments for inflammation, pain, and anxiety, but also offer a safer alternative to steroids and opioids.