Panaxia Pharmaceutical Industries has announced a partnership with the Rafa pharmaceutical company to conduct clinical research of cannabis concentrate inhalation.
The primary goal of the study is to increase accessibility for cancer patients who have been using cannabis to treat acute pain but prefer not to smoke.
“Every clinical research that helps manage treatment using medical cannabis is important,” said Sheba Hospital Director, Dr. Itay Gur-Areyeh, M.D. in a news release. “Delivering treatment via inhalation is characterized by a quicker response time than oral or sublingual tablets.”
The two Israeli firms will be examining the bioavailability of cannabis concentrates using an inhaler with an attached vaporizer. Patients will be able to add precisely-measured doses of cannabis extracts to the device for inhalation.
Rafa CEO, Anat Savion says that the future of medical cannabis treatment depends on the ability to match it to each patient in the best possible way.
“This clinical trial is performed as part of the registration procedure of the new products which we are about to launch in Israel this year, in collaboration with Rafa,” said Panaxia CEO, Dr. Dadi Segal. “Through access to cannabis inhalers, and subject to a medical specialist’s recommendation, we strive to help more patients suffering from acute pain.”
Rafa said that the inhaler will provide patients that are unable or unwilling to smoke, the right to be treated consistently and precisely.
With the research already underway, products are expected to arrive at Israeli pharmacies sometime in 2019 under Rafa’s medical cannabis brand.
