Boulder Jewish News Arts, Culture, Events, Lifestyles, Holidays, Synagogues, Education
Nanotechnology-based Treatments for Psoriasis Primary Focus
BEER-SHEVA, ISRAEL…November 21, 2019 — ANANDA Scientific, based in Greenwood Colorado, announced it has entered into a license and research agreement with BGN Technologies (BGN), the technology-transfer company of Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (BGU), Israel to develop and commercialize cannabinoid products for topical applications.
The research will be conducted by BGU scientists Prof. Amnon Sintov, Department of Biomechanical Engineering, and Prof. Shimon Ben-Shabat, Department of Clinical Biochemistry and Pharmacology, based on patented, innovative nanotechnologies that will enable CBD, additional cannabinoids and other plant-derived substances to penetrate the skin. Initially, the research will focus on developing psoriasis treatment products.
“For the millions of people who suffer daily from skin disorders like psoriasis, we are excited to be at the forefront of developing meaningful treatments using this groundbreaking delivery technology,” said Mark J. Rosenfeld, M.S., Ph.D., ANANDA Scientific’s chief executive and science officer. “This collaboration with world-renowned scientists, BGU Profs. Ben-Shabat and Sintov, will lead to the launch of distinctive over-the-counter and prescription CBD skin care products. Additional, important patents and pharmaceutical applications are anticipated as an outcome of the work now underway.”
Human case studies show that CBD delivered efficiently into the skin may effectively treat psoriasis when it is otherwise intractable. Today in such cases, treatments cost tens of thousands of dollars; therefore, making a lesser costly, effective CBD therapeutic is a desirable alternative.
“We are pleased to be able to collaborate with ANANDA Scientific in further developing proprietary patentable nanotechnologies related to topical formulations of submicron carriers,” said Prof. Sintov. “This research will lead to highly effective treatments for those that suffer daily from skin disorders.”
“This type of research is cutting-edge, and I am eager to help develop cannabinoid topical applications for psoriasis and other skin disorders,” added Prof. Ben-Shabat.
“Cannabis is increasingly being used worldwide to treat a variety of dermatological conditions,” said Dr. Ora Horovitz, BGN senior vice president for business development. “In a new review article in The Journal of Dermatological Treatment, the authors demonstrate that cannabinoids have anti-inflammatory, antipruritic, anti-aging, and anti-malignancy properties by various mechanisms, including interacting with the newly found endocannabinoid system of the skin, thus being a promising treatment for these serious conditions.”
About ANANDA Scientific
ANANDA Scientific is a research-focused biotech company that employs innovative delivery technologies to make cannabinoids and other plant-derived compounds highly bioavailable, water soluble and shelf-life stable nutraceutical and pharmaceutical products. ANANDA is pursuing clinical trials for the regulatory approval of pharmaceuticals to address therapeutic targets of tremendous public health importance. On the back of a strong research foundation, the company has evolved a growing pipeline of nutraceutical over-the-counter products. The company has successfully launched these in the United States, United Kingdom and European Union, with expansion into China and Australia in the near future. The company is expanding its research base through multiple sponsored research agreements with universities to diversify its technology footprint.
About BGN Technologies
BGN Technologies is the technology-company of Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Israel. The company brings technological innovations from the lab to the market and fosters research collaborations and entrepreneurship among researchers and students. To date, BGN has established over 100 startup companies in the fields of biotech, high-tech and cleantech as well as initiating leading technology hubs, incubators and accelerators. Over the past decade, it has focused on creating long-term partnerships with multinational corporations such as Deutsche Telekom, Dell-EMC, IBM, PayPal, and Bayer, securing value and growth for Ben-Gurion University as well as for the Negev region.
About American Associates, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev
American Associates, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (AABGU) plays a vital role in sustaining David Ben-Gurion’s vision: creating a world-class institution of education and research in the Israeli desert, nurturing the Negev community and sharing the University’s expertise locally and around the globe. As Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (BGU) looks ahead to turning 50 in 2020, AABGU imagines a future that goes beyond the walls of academia. It is a future where BGU invents a new world and inspires a vision for a stronger Israel and its next generation of leaders. Together with supporters, AABGU will help the University foster excellence in teaching, research and outreach to the communities of the Negev for the next 50 years and beyond. Visit vision.aabgu.org to learn more. AABGU, headquartered in Manhattan, has nine regional offices throughout the United States. For more information visit www.aabgu.org.
