Cannabidiol in Pharmacoresistant Epilepsy: Clinical Pharmacokinetic Data From an Expanded Access Program

Population pharmacokinetics of cannabidiol and the impact of food and formulation on systemic exposure in children with drug-resistant developmental and epileptic encephalopathies

OBJECTIVE

Identifying factors influencing cannabidiol (CBD) exposure can optimize treatment efficacy and safety. We aimed to describe the population pharmacokinetics of CBD in children with drug-resistant developmental and epileptic encephalopathies (DEEs) and assess the influence of environmental, pharmacological, and clinical characteristics on CBD systemic exposure.

METHODS

Data from two pharmacokinetic studies of patients aged 2-18 years with DEEs were included (N = 48 patients). Serial blood samples were collected during maintenance treatment, before and after the morning dose, and up to 6 h after a dose of a purified CBD oil formulation, with or without a normocaloric breakfast. CBD plasma concentrations were also available following administration of a CBD-enriched formulation. Samples were quantified using a validated liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry assay. A CBD population pharmacokinetic model was developed using nonlinear mixed-effects modeling. The effects of formulation, concomitant food intake, and demographic, clinical, and pharmacological factors on CBD pharmacokinetics were evaluated. Simulated maximum plasma concentration (Cmax) and area under the concentration-time curve between 0 and 12 h (AUC0-12) were calculated.

RESULTS

A one-compartment model with transit compartments and first-order elimination best described CBD pharmacokinetics. Mean values for CBD apparent clearance (CL/F) and volume of distribution (V/F) were 143.5 L/h and 1892.4 L, respectively. Weight was allometrically scaled for V/F and CL/F, sex was associated with V/F, and both formulation and food condition were associated with F (relative bioavailability). CBD Cmax increased by 41% and AUC0-12 by 45% when CBD was administered with food compared to fasting. Dose-normalized AUC0-12 was approximately 50% lower with CBD-enriched oil compared to purified CBD.

SIGNIFICANCE

In the present study, we described the effects of food and formulation on CBD exposure in children with DEEs. Increased CBD exposure with food intake and significant changes in drug exposure when switching between CBD formulations should be considered in patient management.

Pharmacokinetic variability and use of therapeutic drug monitoring of cannabidiol in patients with refractory epilepsy

OBJECTIVE

Cannabidiol (CBD) (Epidyolex) is a new antiseizure medication (ASM) for rare and severe epileptic syndromes. We aimed to investigate the pharmacokinetic variability of CBD to elucidate relationships between doses, serum concentrations, metabolites, and biochemical markers of toxicity by using therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) data.

METHODS

Data on serum concentrations of all ASMs, CBD, and the active metabolite 7-hydroxy-cannabidiol (7-OH-CBD) were collected (January 2022 to June 2023) at the Section for Clinical Pharmacology, National Centre for Epilepsy, Oslo University Hospital.

RESULTS

Data from 52 patients were included: 122 serum concentration measurements (1-7 per patient); 48% female, mean age 23 (range 3-55) years. At maintenance (n = 34), the mean daily dose was 535 (SD 224) mg, that is, 10.03 (standard deviation [SD] .49) mg/kg/day, serum concentration .26 (SD .14) for CBD and .13 (SD .10) μmol/L for 7-OH-CBD. Reference ranges of .15-.50 μmol/L for CBD and .04-.25 μmol/L for 7-OH-CBD are proposed, which included 80% of measurements. There was a linear correlation between CBD dose to concentration and CBD to CBD-7-OH concentrations (r2 = .39 and .38) (p < .05). The hepatic marker alanine aminotransferase (ALT) increased on average 37%, demonstrating a moderate effect on liver function. Intra-individual coefficients of variation (CVs) were 32% (SD 17) for CBD and 48% (SD 24) for 7-OH-CBD (n = 15, ≥3 measurements). Twenty different ASMs were used: clobazam (n = 24), valproate (n = 17), and stiripentol (n = 8) were most common. The mean concentration ratio of desmethyl-clobazam/clobazam increased by 140% (7.29-17.5; p < .05) but was variable, pointing to enzyme inhibition by CBD.

SIGNIFICANCE

This observational study with TDM data revealed extensive pharmacokinetic variability of CBD in patients with refractory epilepsy. The results demonstrate the need for close follow-up and use of TDM, including biochemical markers of toxicity, for individualized treatment with CBD.

Examining the hepatotoxic potential of cannabidiol, cannabidiol-containing hemp extract, and cannabinol at consumer-relevant exposure concentrations in primary human hepatocytes

Hemp extracts and consumer products containing cannabidiol (CBD) and/or other phytocannabinoids derived from hemp have entered the marketplace in recent years. CBD is an approved drug in the United States for the treatment of certain seizure disorders. While effects of CBD in the liver have been well characterized, data on the effects of other cannabinoids and hemp extracts in the liver and methods for studying these effects in vitro are limited. This study examined the hepatotoxic potential of CBD, CBD concentration-matched hemp extract, and cannabinol (CBN), at consumer-relevant concentrations determined by in silico modeling, in vitro using primary human hepatocytes. Primary human hepatocytes exposed to between 10-nM and 25-μM CBD, CBN, or hemp extract for 24 and 48 h were evaluated by measuring lactate dehydrogenase release, apoptosis, albumin secretion, urea secretion, and mitochondrial membrane potential. Cell viability was not significantly affected by CBD, CBN, or the hemp extract at any of the concentrations tested. Exposure to hemp extract induced a modest but statistically significant decrease in albumin secretion, urea secretion, and mitochondrial membrane potential at the highest concentration tested whereas CBD only induced a modest but statistically significant decrease in albumin secretion compared with vehicle control. Although this study addresses data gaps in the understanding of cannabinoid hepatoxicity in vitro, additional studies will be needed to determine how these results correlate with relevant consumer exposure and the biological effects of cannabinoids in human liver.

A Cost-Utility Analysis of Add-On Cannabidiol Versus Usual Care Alone for the Treatment of Seizures Associated with Tuberous Sclerosis Complex in England and Wales

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to evaluate the cost effectiveness of plant-derived highly purified cannabidiol (Epidyolex® in the UK; 100 mg/mL oral solution) as an add-on treatment to usual care for the management of treatment-refractory seizures associated with tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) in patients aged ≥ 2 years.

METHODS

A cohort-based model was developed using a National Health Service perspective and lifetime horizon. Health states were based on weekly seizure frequency and seizure-free days, utilizing patient-level data from the GWPCARE6 trial (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02544763). Two independent regression models were applied to individual patient-level data to predict seizure-free days and seizure frequency. Healthcare resource utilization data were sourced from a Delphi panel, and patient and caregiver health-related quality of life values were elicited using vignettes valued by the general public. Outcomes relating to TSC-associated neuropsychiatric disorders were modeled with costs and quality-adjusted life-years sourced from published literature.

RESULTS

In the base case, compared with usual care alone, 12 mg/kg/day cannabidiol was associated with an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) of £23,797. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence disease severity modifier reduced the ICER to £19,831. Probabilities of cost effectiveness at willingness-to-pay thresholds of £20,000 and £30,000 were 30% and 52%, respectively, for the base case and 39% and 66%, respectively, for the disease severity modifier. Results were robust to sensitivity and scenario analyses.

CONCLUSIONS

At 12 mg/kg/day and an ICER threshold of £20,000-£30,000, we provide evidence for the cost effectiveness of add-on cannabidiol treatment for patients with TSC-associated seizures aged ≥ 2 years who are refractory to current treatment.

Enhancing transmucosal delivery of CBD through nanoemulsion: in vitro and in vivo studies

Cannabidiol (CBD) has gained significant attention as a complementary and alternative medicine due to its promising therapeutic properties. However, CBD faces obstacles when administered orally due to its poor solubility in water, leading to limited absorption into the bloodstream and low and variable bioavailability. Therefore, the development of innovative delivery approaches that can enhance CBD's bioavailability, facilitate administration, and promote patient adherence is crucial. We propose a new approach for buccal delivery of CBD based on a self-assembling nanoemulsion (NE) made of a mixture of surfactants (Tween 80 and Labrasol) and medium chain triglycerides (MCTs). The NE formulation showed properties suitable for buccal administration, including appropriate size, CBD content, and surface properties, and, if compared to a CBD-MCT solution, it exhibited better control of administered doses, faster dissolution in buccal medium, and enhanced stability. The CBD-NE effectively released its active load within 5 h, remained stable even when diluted in simulated buccal fluids, and could be easily administered through a commercially available spray, providing consistent and reproducible doses of NE with optimized properties. In vitro permeation studies demonstrated that the CBD-NE facilitated swift and consistent permeation through the buccal mucosa, resulting in a higher concentration in the acceptor compartment compared to CBD-MCT. Furthermore, the in vivo study in mice showed that a single buccal administration of CBD-NE led to a quicker onset of action than a CBD solution in MCT, while maintaining the same plasma levels over time and leading to typically higher plasma concentrations compared to those usually achieved through oral administration. In conclusion, our CBD-NE represents a promising alternative formulation strategy for buccal CBD administration, overcoming the challenges associated with conventional formulations such as variable bioavailability and low control of administered doses.

The latest advances in the pharmacological management of focal epilepsies in children: a narrative review

INTRODUCTION

Focal epilepsy constitutes the most common epilepsy in children, and medical treatment represents the first-line therapy in this condition. The main goal of medical treatment for children and adolescents with epilepsy is the achievement of seizure freedom or, in drug-resistant epilepsies, a significant seizure reduction, both minimizing antiseizure medications (ASM)-related adverse events, thus improving the patient's quality of life. However, up to 20-40% of pediatric epilepsies are refractory to drug treatments. New ASMs came to light in the pediatric landscape, improving the drug profile compared to that of the preexisting ones. Clinicians should consider several factors during the drug choice process, including patient and medication-specific characteristics.

AREAS COVERED

This narrative review aims to summarize the latest evidence on the effectiveness and tolerability of the newest ASMs administered as monotherapy or adjunctive therapy in pediatric epilepsies with focal onset seizures, providing a practical appraisal based on the existing evidence.

EXPERT OPINION

The latest ASMs have the potential to be effective in the pharmacological management of focal onset seizures in children, and treatment choice should consider several drug- and epilepsy-related factors. Future treatments should be increasingly personalized and targeted on patient-specific pathways. Future research should focus on discovering new chemical compounds and repurposing medications used for other indications.

Cannabidiol-Based Prodrugs: Synthesis and Bioevaluation

Cannabidiol (CBD 1) is a nonpsychotic cannabinoid-based drug approved by the U.S. FDA for treating refractory epilepsy, namely, Lennox-Gastaut and Dravet syndrome. However, its low aqueous solubility and oral bioavailability are compensated by administering high doses, and there is an increased demand for conjugates with improved properties. In this direction, the present work is focused on synthesizing CBD-based prodrugs to address the issue of poor solubility and oral bioavailability. Several CBD-based prodrugs were synthesized and studied in a battery of assays: viz, release kinetic (ex vivo), solubility (in vitro), chemical stability (in vitro), plasma stability (ex vivo), pharmacokinetics (in vivo), and efficacy studies (in vivo). Among the synthesized prodrugs, the morpholinyl CBD-based prodrugs 3a and 3aa showed good release behavior, stability, better solubility, and a plasma profile. Moreover, prodrug candidate 3aa showed better therapeutic efficacy. The present study identifies CBD-based prodrugs with improved physiochemical properties and oral exposure.

Eight Weeks of Daily Cannabidiol Supplementation Improves Sleep Quality and Immune Cell Cytotoxicity

BACKGROUND

The endocannabinoid system is active in nervous and immune cells and involves the expression of two cannabinoid receptor genes (CB1 and CB2), along with endogenous endocannabinoid ligands, 2-arachidonoyl glycerol (2-AG) and arachidonoyl ethanolamide (anandamide), and their synthetic enzymes. Cannabidiol (CBD) is a non-intoxicating exogenous cannabinoid agonist derived from plants that, at high doses, has received FDA approval as an anticonvulsant for epileptic seizures, and at low doses is marketed as a food-grade supplement for improved mental health, sleep quality, and immunological function. At present, the predominance of published CBD clinical research has focused on ameliorative or disease-specific intervention, with few trials investigating CBD effects in healthy populations.

METHODS

This clinical study aimed to investigate the effects of 8 weeks of 50 mg oral CBD on mental health, sleep quantity and quality, and immune cell function in healthy, college-aged individuals. Twenty-eight participants (average age 25.9 ± 6.1 y) were randomized to receive either daily oral capsules of 50 mg of CBD (CB, n = 14) or a calorie-matched placebo (CN, n = 14). Participants completed pre- and post-intervention assessments, including anthropometric measurements, mental health surveys, sleep analysis, and immunological function assessments.

RESULTS

After completing the 8-week intervention, there were no significant changes in body weight and BMI (CN: 1.09 ± 0.89%: CB: 1.41 ± 1.07%), or body fat percentage (CN: 9.01 ± 7.51%: CB: 8.57 ± 7.81%), respectively (values are % change pre to post, p > 0.05). There were also no significant differences between CB and CN groups with respect to mental health measures, sleep quantity, or circulating immunophenotype as a result of the intervention. However, the CB group experienced significant improvements in sleep quality measured objectively using a sleep questionnaire (p = 0.0023) and enhanced Natural Killer (NK) immune cell function assessed in situ (p = 0.0125).

CONCLUSIONS

Eight weeks of daily 50 mg CBD may improve sleep quality, and NK immunosurveillance in healthy, younger adults.

Real-World Evidence of Factors Affecting Cannabidiol Exposure in Children with Drug-Resistant Developmental and Epileptic Encephalopathies

The identification of factors that affect cannabidiol (CBD) systemic exposure may aid in optimizing treatment efficacy and safety in clinical practice. In this study, we aimed to correlate CBD plasma concentrations at a steady state to demographic, clinical, and pharmacological characteristics as well as seizure frequency after the administration of a purified CBD oil solution in a real-world setting of children with drug-resistant developmental and epileptic encephalopathies (DEEs). Patients receiving oral CBD pharmaceutical products at maintenance were enrolled. Venous blood samples were drawn before the CBD morning dose, 12 h apart from the last evening dose (C0 or CBD trough concentration). A linear mixed-effect analysis was implemented to assess the correlation between C0 and clinical, laboratory, pharmacological, and lifestyle factors. Fifteen females and seven males with a median age of 12.8 years (ranging between 4.7 and 17.2) were included. The median CBD dose was 8.8 mg/kg/day (ranging between 2.6 and 22.5), and the CBD C0 median (range) was 48.2 ng/mL (3.5-366.3). The multivariate model showed a 109.6% increase in CBD C0 in patients with concomitant levothyroxine (β = 0.74 ± 0.1649, p < 0.001), 56.8% with food (β = 0.45 ± 0.1550, p < 0.01), and 116.0% after intake of a ketogenic diet (β = 0.77 ± 0.3141, p < 0.05). All patients included were responders without evidence of an association between C0 and response status. In children with DEEs, systemic concentrations of CBD may be significantly increased when co-administered with levothyroxine, food, or a ketogenic diet.

Pharmacological aspects of antiseizure medications: From basic mechanisms to clinical considerations of drug interactions and use of therapeutic drug monitoring

Antiseizure medications (ASMs) are the cornerstone of treatment for patients with epilepsy. Several new ASMs have recently been introduced to the market, making it possible to better tailor the treatment of epilepsy, as well as other indications (psychiatry and pain disorders). For this group of drugs there are numerous pharmacological challenges, and updated knowledge on their pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic properties is, therefore, crucial for an optimal treatment outcome. This review focuses on educational approaches to the following learning outcomes as described by the International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE): To demonstrate knowledge of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, drug interactions with ASMs and with concomitant medications, and appropriate monitoring of ASM serum levels (therapeutic drug monitoring, TDM). Basic principles in pharmacology, pharmacokinetic variability, and clinically relevant approaches to manage drug interactions are discussed. Furthermore, recent improvements in analytical technology and sampling are described. Future directions point to the combined implementation of TDM with genetic panels for proper diagnosis, pharmacogenetic tests where relevant, and the use of biochemical markers that will all contribute to personalized treatment. These approaches are clinically relevant for an optimal treatment outcome with ASMs in various patient groups.

Differences in Plasma Cannabidiol Concentrations in Women and Men: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Crossover Study

The potential therapeutic benefits of cannabidiol (CBD) require further study. Here, we report a triple-blind (participant, investigator, and outcome assessor) placebo-controlled crossover study in which 62 hypertensive volunteers were randomly assigned to receive the recently developed DehydraTECH2.0 CBD formulation or a placebo. This is the first study to have been conducted using the DehydraTECH2.0 CBD formulation over a 12-week study duration. The new formulation's long-term effects on CBD concentrations in plasma and urine, as well as its metabolites 7-hydroxy-CBD and 7-carboxy-CBD, were analyzed. The results of the plasma concentration ratio for CBD/7-OH-CBD in the third timepoint (after 5 weeks of use) were significantly higher than in the second timepoint (after 2.5 weeks of use; p = 0.043). In the same timepoints in the urine, a significantly higher concentration of 7-COOH-CBD was observed p < 0.001. Differences in CBD concentration were found between men and women. Plasma levels of CBD were still detectable 50 days after the last consumption of the CBD preparations. Significantly higher plasma CBD concentrations occurred in females compared to males, which was potentially related to greater adipose tissue. More research is needed to optimize CBD doses to consider the differential therapeutic benefits in men and women.

Sex Differences in the Neuropsychiatric Effects and Pharmacokinetics of Cannabidiol: A Scoping Review

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a non-intoxicating cannabinoid compound with diverse molecular targets and potential therapeutic effects, including effects relevant to the treatment of psychiatric disorders. In this scoping review, we sought to determine the extent to which sex and gender have been considered as potential moderators of the neuropsychiatric effects and pharmacokinetics of CBD. In this case, 300 articles were screened, retrieved from searches in PubMed/Medline, Scopus, Google Scholar, PsycInfo and CINAHL, though only 12 met our eligibility criteria: eight studies in preclinical models and four studies in humans. Among the preclinical studies, three suggested that sex may influence long-term effects of gestational or adolescent exposure to CBD; two found no impact of sex on CBD modulation of addiction-relevant effects of Δ⁹-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC); two found antidepressant-like effects of CBD in males only; and one found greater plasma and liver CBD concentrations in females compared to males. Among the human studies, two found no sex difference in CBD pharmacokinetics in patient samples, one found greater plasma CBD concentrations in healthy females compared to males, and one found no evidence of sex differences in the effects of CBD on responses to trauma recall in patients with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). No studies were identified that considered the role of gender in CBD treatment effects. We discuss potential implications and current limitations of the existing literature.

Evaluating the Antinociceptive Efficacy of Cannabidiol Alone or in Combination with Morphine Using the Formalin Test in Male and Female Mice

Introduction: Phytocannabinoids have emerged as a potential alternative treatment option for individuals experiencing persistent pain. However, evidence-based research regarding their clinical utility in both males and females remains incomplete. In addition, it is unknown whether combining readily available cannabinoids with opioids has a synergistic or subadditive effect on pain modulation. To begin to fill this knowledge gap, we investigated the antinociceptive effects of the phytocannabinoid, CBD, either alone or in combination with opioids in male and female C57BL/6J mice. Results: Using the formalin test, our results show that CBD (10 mg/kg, i.p.) treatment evoked antinociception in phase I, but not in phase II, of the formalin test in male mice. However, in female mice, CBD showed no significant antinociceptive effect. In addition, a direct sex comparison showed that CBD evoked a significant increase in nociceptive behaviors in female versus male mice during phase I of the formalin test. Furthermore, we show that CBD (10 mg/kg, i.p.) in combination with low-dose morphine (1 mg/kg, i.p.) was ineffective at eliciting a synergistic antinociceptive response in both male and female mice. Lastly, consistent with previous literature, we showed that females treated with a relatively higher dose of morphine (10 mg/kg, i.p.) displayed a significant increase in the variability of nociceptive behaviors compared to morphine-treated male mice. Conclusion: Overall, our results suggest that CBD treatment may have beneficial antinociceptive effects during the acute phase of persistent pain, but these effects are more beneficial to males than females. We provide further pre-clinical support that treatments geared toward reducing nociceptive behaviors differentially affect males and females.

An Examination of the Anti-Cancer Properties of Plant Cannabinoids in Preclinical Models of Mesothelioma

Simple Summary

Mesothelioma is a deadly disease with few treatment options. Phytocannabinoids derived from the cannabis plant are garnering interest for their anti-cancer properties, however very little is known about their effects in mesothelioma. We aimed to assess whether phytocannabinoids have anti-cancer effects in mesothelioma and potential modes of action. We showed that several phytocannabinoids inhibited growth of mesothelioma cells, with two phytocannabinoids, cannabidiol (CBD) and cannabigerol (CBG), being the most potent. CBD and CBG also inhibited mesothelioma cell migration and invasion. Gene expression analysis highlighted signalling pathways that play a role in how CBD and CBG may exert their anti-cancer effects. CBD and CBG were unable to increase survival in a rat model of mesothelioma but this may be due to limitations in the drug delivery method.

Abstract

Mesothelioma is an aggressive cancer with limited treatment options and a poor prognosis. Phytocannabinoids possess anti-tumour and palliative properties in multiple cancers, however their effects in mesothelioma are unknown. We investigated the anti-cancer effects and potential mechanisms of action for several phytocannabinoids in mesothelioma cell lines. A panel of 13 phytocannabinoids inhibited growth of human (MSTO and H2452) and rat (II-45) mesothelioma cells in vitro, and cannabidiol (CBD) and cannabigerol (CBG) were the most potent compounds. Treatment with CBD or CBG resulted in G0/G1 arrest, delayed entry into S phase and induced apoptosis. CBD and CBG also significantly reduced mesothelioma cell migration and invasion. These effects were supported by changes in the expression of genes associated with the cell cycle, proliferation, and cell movement following CBD or CBG treatment. Gene expression levels of CNR1, GPR55, and 5HT1A also increased with CBD or CBG treatment. However, treatment with CBD or CBG in a syngeneic orthotopic rat mesothelioma model was unable to increase survival. Our data show that cannabinoids have anti-cancer effects on mesothelioma cells in vitro and alternatives of drug delivery may be needed to enhance their effects in vivo.

Improving Therapy of Pharmacoresistant Epilepsies: The Role of Fenfluramine

Epilepsy is among the most common neurological chronic disorders, with a prevalence of 0.5-1%. Despite the introduction of new antiepileptic drugs during recent years, about one third of the epileptic population remain drug-resistant. Hence, especially in the pediatric population limited by different pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics and by ethical and regulatory issues it is needed to identify new therapeutic resources. New molecules initially used with other therapeutic indications, such as fenfluramine, are being considered for the treatment of pharmacoresistant epilepsies, including Dravet Syndrome (DS) and Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome (LGS). Drug-refractory seizures are a hallmark of both these conditions and their treatment remains a major challenge. Fenfluramine is an amphetamine derivative that was previously approved as a weight loss drug and later withdrawn when major cardiac adverse events were reported. However, a new role of fenfluramine has emerged in recent years. Indeed, fenfluramine has proved to be a promising antiepileptic drug with a favorable risk-benefit profile for the treatment of DS, LGS and possibly other drug-resistant epileptic syndromes. The mechanism by which fenfluramine provide an antiepileptic action is not fully understood but it seems to go beyond its pro-serotoninergic activity. This review aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the literature, including ongoing trials, regarding the efficacy and safety of fenfluramine as adjunctive treatment of pharmacoresistant epilepsies.

Cannabis-Based Products in a Neurological Setting: A Clinical and Pharmacokinetic Survey

Background and Aim

Limited data are available in clinical settings on the pharmacokinetics of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). We investigated the use of cannabis-based products in neurological practice, monitoring patients' steady-state cannabinoids (CBs) plasma concentrations matched with different preparations.

Methods

This was a prospective, single-center, observational study. Patients underwent venous blood withdrawal before the CBs' morning dose and then 2.5 h post-dosing. Spasticity or pain were patient self-assessed by the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) before the morning CB's administration and 2.5 h post-dosing.

Results

Thirty-three patients were enrolled. Main indications for CBs were spasticity and chronic pain. Sixteen patients were treated with oromucosal spray formulation Sativex® and 17 with oil-based solutions. Both CBs trough plasma concentrations were ≤ limit of detection (0.1 ng/ml) in 45% of patients. Intrasubject CB's plasma levels significantly increased over baseline values in patients treated with Bediol® oil (p < 0.05) and Sativex® (p < 0.01). Post-dosing CB's bioavailability did not significantly differ between oral oil and oromucosal spray. NRS scores decreased (p < 0.01), matching the increase (p < 0.01) in CB's plasma concentrations.

Conclusion

This is the first study investigating CB's plasma concentrations of oral and oromucosal preparations in real-world neurological practice. Findings of similar bioavailability for both CBD and THC after galenic oil compared with oromucosal spray dosing may be clinically relevant and deserve additional research in larger cohorts.

Inhibition of human recombinant T-type calcium channels by phytocannabinoids in vitro

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

T-type Ca channels (I_Ca ) regulate neuronal excitability and contribute to neurotransmitter release. The phytocannabinoids Δ⁹ -tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol effectively modulate T-type I_Ca , but effects of other biologically active phytocannabinoids on these channels are unknown. We thus investigated the modulation of T-type I_Ca by low abundance phytocannabinoids.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

A fluorometric (FLIPR) assay was used to investigate modulation of human T-type I_Ca (Ca_V 3.1, 3.2 and 3.3) stably expressed in FlpIn-TREx HEK293 cells. The biophysical effects of some compounds were examined using whole-cell patch clamp recordings from the same cells.

KEY RESULTS

In the FLIPR assay, all eleven phytocannabinoids tested modulated T-type I_Ca , with most inhibiting Ca_V 3.1 and Ca_V 3.2 more effectively than Ca_V 3.3. Cannabigerolic acid was the most potent inhibitor of Ca_V 3.1 (pIC₅₀ 6.1 ± 0.6) and Ca_V 3.2 (pIC₅₀ 6.4 ± 0.4); in all cases phytocannabinoid acids were more potent than their corresponding neutral forms. In patch clamp recordings, cannabigerolic acid inhibited Ca_V 3.1 and 3.2 with similar potency to the FLIPR assay, the inhibition was associated with significant hyperpolarizing shift in activation and steady state inactivation of these channels. In contrast, cannabidiol, cannabidivarin and cannabigerol only affected channel inactivation.

CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS

Modulation of T-type calcium channels is a common property of phytocannabinoids, which all increase steady state inactivation at physiological membrane potentials, with some also affecting channel activation. Thus, T-type I_Ca may be a common site of action for phytocannabinoids, and the diverse actions of phytocannabinoids on channel gating may provide insight into structural requirement for selective T-type I_Ca modulators.

Factors not considered in the study of drug-resistant epilepsy: Drug-resistant epilepsy: assessment of neuroinflammation

More than one‐third of people with epilepsy develop drug‐resistant epilepsy (DRE). Different hypotheses have been proposed to explain the origin of DRE. Accumulating evidence suggests the contribution of neuroinflammation, modifications in the integrity of the blood‐brain barrier (BBB), and altered immune responses in the pathophysiology of DRE. The inflammatory response is mainly due to the increase of cytokines and related molecules; these molecules have neuromodulatory effects that contribute to hyperexcitability in neural networks that cause seizure generation. Some patients with DRE display the presence of autoantibodies in the serum and mainly cerebrospinal fluid. These patients are refractory to the different treatments with standard antiseizure medications (ASMs), and they could be responding well to immunomodulatory therapies. This observation emphasizes that the etiopathogenesis of DRE is involved with immunology responses and associated long‐term events and chronic inflammation processes. Furthermore, multiple studies have shown that functional polymorphisms as risk factors are involved in inflammation processes. Several relevant polymorphisms could be considered risk factors involved in inflammation‐related DRE such as receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) and interleukin 1β (IL‐1β). All these evidences sustained the hypothesis that the chronic inflammation process is associated with the DRE. However, the effect of the chronic inflammation process should be investigated in further clinical studies to promote the development of novel therapeutics useful in treatment of DRE.

The Pharmacoresistant Epilepsy: An Overview on Existent and New Emerging Therapies

Epilepsy is one of the most common neurological chronic disorders, with an estimated prevalence of 0. 5 - 1%. Currently, treatment options for epilepsy are predominantly based on the administration of symptomatic therapy. Most patients are able to achieve seizure freedom by the first two appropriate drug trials. Thus, patients who cannot reach a satisfactory response after that are defined as pharmacoresistant. However, despite the availability of more than 20 antiseizure medications (ASMs), about one-third of epilepsies remain drug-resistant. The heterogeneity of seizures and epilepsies, the coexistence of comorbidities, and the broad spectrum of efficacy, safety, and tolerability related to the ASMs, make the management of these patients actually challenging. In this review, we analyze the most relevant clinical and pathogenetic issues related to drug-resistant epilepsy, and then we discuss the current evidence about the use of available ASMs and the alternative non-pharmacological approaches.

Results From an Italian Expanded Access Program on Cannabidiol Treatment in Highly Refractory Dravet Syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome

Background: Purified cannabidiol (CBD) was administered to highly refractory patients with Dravet (DS) or Lennox–Gastaut (LGS) syndromes in an ongoing expanded access program (EAP). Herein, we report interim results on CBD safety and seizure outcomes in patients treated for a 12-month period.

Material and Methods: Thirty centers were enrolled from December 2018 to December 2019 within the open-label prospective EAP up to a maximum of 25 mg/kg per day. Adverse effects and liver function tests were assessed after 2 weeks; 1, 3, and 6 months of treatment; and periodically thereafter. Seizure endpoints were the percentage of patients with ≥50 and 100% reduction in seizures compared to baseline.

Results: A total of 93 patients were enrolled and included in the safety analysis. Eighty-two patients [27 (32.9%) DS, 55 (67.1%) LGS] with at least 3 months of treatment have been included in the effectiveness analysis; median previously failed antiseizure medications was eight. Pediatric and adult patients were uniformly represented in the cohort. At 3-month follow-up, compared to the 28-day baseline period, the percentage of patients with at least a 50% reduction in seizure frequency was 40.2% (plus 1.2% seizure-free). Retention rate was similar according to diagnosis, while we found an increased number of patients remaining under treatment in the adult group. CBD was mostly coadministered with valproic acid (62.2%) and clobazam (41.5%). In the safety dataset, 29 (31.2%) dropped out: reasons were lack of efficacy [16 (17.2%)] and adverse events (AEs) [12 (12.9%)], and one met withdrawal criteria (1.1%). Most reported AEs were somnolence (22.6%) and diarrhea (11.9%), followed by transaminase elevation and loss of appetite.

Conclusions: CBD is associated with improved seizure control also in a considerable proportion of highly refractory patients with DS and LGS independently from clobazam use. Overall, CBD safety and effectiveness are not dose-related in this cohort.

Regulatory Effects of Cannabidiol on Mitochondrial Functions: A Review

Cannabidiol (CBD) is part of a group of phytocannabinoids derived from Cannabissativa. Initial work on CBD presumed the compound was inactive, but it was later found to exhibit antipsychotic, anti-depressive, anxiolytic, and antiepileptic effects. In recent decades, evidence has indicated a role for CBD in the modulation of mitochondrial processes, including respiration and bioenergetics, mitochondrial DNA epigenetics, intrinsic apoptosis, the regulation of mitochondrial and intracellular calcium concentrations, mitochondrial fission, fusion and biogenesis, and mitochondrial ferritin concentration and mitochondrial monoamine oxidase activity regulation. Despite these advances, current data demonstrate contradictory findings with regard to not only the magnitude of effects mediated by CBD, but also to the direction of effects. For example, there are data indicating that CBD treatment can increase, decrease, or have no significant effect on intrinsic apoptosis. Differences between studies in cell type, cell-specific response to CBD, and, in some cases, dose of CBD may help to explain differences in outcomes. Most studies on CBD and mitochondria have utilized treatment concentrations that exceed the highest recorded plasma concentrations in humans, suggesting that future studies should focus on CBD treatments within a range observed in pharmacokinetic studies. This review focuses on understanding the mechanisms of CBD-mediated regulation of mitochondrial functions, with an emphasis on findings in neural cells and tissues and therapeutic relevance based on human pharmacokinetics.