dsm-firmenich launches CBtru, revolutionizing CBD drug development with enhanced bioavailability

The IP-protected CBD intermediate brings superior functionality allowing for a higher drug loading compared to currently commercially available products, paving the way for oral dosage forms with enhanced bioavailability. This will enable the development of more convenient and patient-friendly dosage forms – like tablets, including orally disintegrating tablets (ODTs) or chewables - making CBtru a significant advancement in cannabinoid innovation with the capacity to transform CBD-based therapies.

Pioneering a new frontier in CBD drug development​

Existing CBD-based medicines exhibit limited oral bioavailability (as low as 6% in humans), and therefore efficacy, due to the poor solubility and absorption of cannabinoid molecules. Consequently, large doses of CBD are needed for therapeutic effectiveness and require administration via oil-based oral solutions, which can be inconvenient and unpleasant for patients to ingest. dsm-firmenich says its advanced formulated CBD drug product intermediate aims to address this challenge. It allows for higher active loading, improved stability and optimized pharmacokinetic performance, enabling the creation of more bioavailable and patient-friendly dosage forms.

A molecule that holds immense therapeutic potential​

“We’re committed to elevating global patient health by unlocking new treatment possibilities and improving product acceptance and compliance. That’s why we have invested in CBD – a molecule that holds immense therapeutic potential, as evidenced by promising research and a shifting favorable regulatory environment,” said Athanasia Kanli, global business development manager for pharma at dsm-firmenich.

“To date, the application of CBD has been limited to oil-based delivery systems though, principally because of its low bioavailability and physical and chemical instability. This inspired us to introduce CBtru to the rapidly expanding cannabinoid market. With its advanced functionality, CBtru can facilitate the development of faster-acting, more effective and patient-friendly treatments – representing a new era in cannabinoid-based medicines.”

The result of two years of focused research​

dsm-firmenich’s novel CBD drug product intermediate is the result of two years of focused research. During this period, the company’s technical team rigorously assessed more than 200 prototypes and multiple drug delivery technologies to identify a CBD solution with superior performance. Moving forward, dsm-firmenich is eager to establish long-term strategic partnerships to investigate new therapeutic applications leveraging its trial-ready CBtru formulation.

More than CBtru​

Together with Brains Bioceutical – manufacturer of high-quality pharma-grade cannabinoids – dsm-firmenich offers an end-to-end innovation platform designed to support early-stage cannabinoid drug development and realize the potential of CBD-based formulations. Its capabilities include leading-edge formulation expertise, a global network of regulatory specialists and preclinical and clinical study proficiency. The company also has the capacity to provide customized solutions depending on the therapeutic area and drug delivery objective.