Enveric Biosciences Inc has announced that EV102, its cannabidiol-based product (CBD) in development for the topical prescription treatment of radiodermatitis, has demonstrated a significant and meaningful reduction in dermatitis severity, skin redness, and duration in a preclinical rodent model.
"Cancer patients around the world suffer the harsh side effects of various anti-cancer treatments," said CEO Dr. Joseph Tucker in a statement. "Radiodermatitis, the most common side effect of radiation therapy, is a physical skin irritation with symptoms ranging from red rash to open wounds.”
In the preclinical trial, Dr. Tucker said EV102 was topically applied during a daily treatment regimen and resulted in a nearly 50% reduction in redness scoring severity.
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“Similar results were obtained for overall dermatitis severity, which includes desquamation (skin peeling) and ulceration as part of a composite score. Extending these promising results was an observed reduction in overall duration of dermatitis symptoms," he said.
The CEO also noted that the significance of these preclinical findings will be evaluated in a planned human evaluation in 2022.
"At Enveric, we are focused on improving quality of life for cancer patients. The encouraging results of EV102 positions us to take the next steps in bringing safer and more effective prescription treatment options to market. We expect results from the preclinical study to support our efforts to move EV102 to a Phase I clinical study, targeted to begin in the second half of 2022," Dr. Tucker added.
Radiodermatitis (also called radiation dermatitis) is a condition caused by the high-energy X-rays delivered during radiation therapy. It affects nearly 95% of patients who receive radiation for cancer treatment, with about 85% of patients having moderate-to-severe skin reactions.
Radiodermatitis usually begins to occur within 1-4 weeks of treatment and persists for the duration of radiation therapy. The severity of the skin reactions ranges from mild erythema (red rash) to dry desquamation (itchy, peeling skin) to the more severe moist desquamation (open wound) and severe ulceration.
The condition can be similar to the discomfort from mild-to-severe sunburn, characterized by pain, difficulty moving or wearing clothing, itching, and peeling skin.
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