Cardiol Therapeutics (TSX:CRDL, NASDAQ:CRDL) Inc revealed new study results highlighting the protective effects of CardiolRx in a model of acute pericarditis.
The study demonstrated that pharmaceutically manufactured cannabidiol – the active pharmaceutical ingredient in CardiolRx – significantly reduced pericardial effusion and thickening in a pre-clinical model of acute pericarditis, according to a statement.
Additionally, cannabidiol significantly suppresses the secretion of key inflammatory markers interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in vitro.
READ: Cardiol Therapeutics to prioritize its Phase II clinical programs focused on developing CardiolRx for two underserved diseases affecting the heart
Data was presented by Cardiol's research collaborators from Virginia Commonwealth University at The American Heart Association Scientific Sessions 2022.
The authors concluded that the pharmaceutically manufactured cannabidiol administered in the study may represent a novel therapy for treating pericarditis and preventing its complications and recurrence.
Data presented also demonstrated a dose-response effect on IL-1β in vitro. In addition, cannabidiol was shown in vitro to significantly inhibit the transcription of IL-1β and sensor protein NLRP3, as measured by mRNA expression.
Cardiol said it has filed comprehensive patent applications with the US patent office in connection with these new findings.
"The data presented at the AHA2022 by our research collaborators from VCU provides additional rationale for our recent decision to prioritize our Phase II pilot study in patients with recurrent pericarditis and offers new insight into the molecular targets and mechanism of action of CardiolRx," Andrew Hamer, Cardiol’s chief medical officer and head of research and development said in a statement.
As Hamer explained, pericarditis results from inflammation of the pericardium, the sac that surrounds the heart, and is manifested clinically by chest pain and by imaging signs of pericardial effusion and thickening. Significant accumulation of pericardial fluid and scarring can progress to life-threatening constriction of the heart.
It is recognized that pericarditis is associated with aberrant inflammasome activation, an intracellular process leading to the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including IL-1β, said the CMO.
“The results presented over the weekend provide evidence that CardiolRx inhibits activation of the inflammasome pathway and other associated pro-inflammatory pathways,” Hamer added.
“The magnitude of effect on multiple parameters as reported in the poster was notable and provides a strong scientific basis for investigating CardiolRx as a potential novel therapy in pericarditis care."
Phase II pilot study
Cardiol’s Phase II pilot study in recurrent pericarditis is expected to enroll 25 patients at major clinical centers in the United States specializing in pericarditis.
Oakville, Ontario-based Cardiol is a clinical-stage life sciences company focused on the research and clinical development of anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic therapies for the treatment of heart diseases.
Cardiol is also developing a novel subcutaneously administered drug formulation of cannabidiol intended for use in heart failure - a leading cause of death and hospitalization in the developed world, with associated healthcare costs in the United States exceeding $30 billion annually.
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