Anebulo Pharmaceuticals Awarded NIDA Grant for its Investigational IV Treatment for Acute Cannabis-Induced Toxic Effects

Rhea-AI Summary

Anebulo Pharmaceuticals (Nasdaq: ANEB) has been awarded a two-year cooperative grant of up to $1.9 million from the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) to support the development of intravenous selonabant. This potential emergency treatment targets acute cannabis-induced toxicities, particularly cannabis-induced CNS depression in children.

The grant is structured in two tranches: an initial $0.9 million award, followed by approximately $1 million subject to meeting certain milestones. This funding acknowledges the growing unmet medical need for a cannabis antidote, especially for children who are more susceptible to cannabis toxicity due to their underdeveloped endocannabinoid system.

Anebulo's CSO, Ken Cundy, emphasized that this grant provides validation for their work, while CEO Richie Cunningham highlighted how it aligns with their recent decision to prioritize the development of the intravenous formulation of selonabant.

Positive

• Awarded NIDA grant of up to $1.9 million for intravenous selonabant development
• Successful Phase 2 proof of concept study for oral selonabant completed
• Potential to offer targeted therapy for reversing serious cannabis ingestion effects in children

Negative

• Full grant amount of $1.9 million is not guaranteed, with $1 million subject to meeting milestones

Insights

Medical Research Analyst

The grant awarded to Anebulo Pharmaceuticals by NIDA indicates strong validation for the company's research initiatives. The $1.9 million funding specifically allocated for developing intravenous selonabant highlights the pressing need for treatments addressing acute cannabis-induced toxic effects. For retail investors, this is significant because the grant provides both financial support and credibility from a reputable institution, potentially accelerating the drug's development and approval process. In the short term, this could lead to increased investor confidence and stock price appreciation. The focus on pediatric cannabis intoxication, a growing concern, positions Anebulo to tap into a niche market with high demand and limited competition.

Financial Analyst

From a financial perspective, the $1.9 million grant from NIDA represents a non-dilutive source of funding, which is critical for a clinical-stage company like Anebulo Pharmaceuticals. Non-dilutive funding minimizes shareholder dilution, preserving the value of existing shares. Furthermore, the milestone-based structure of the grant ensures that Anebulo will achieve certain developmental benchmarks to receive the full amount. This structured funding approach reduces financial risk and ensures focused progress in developing the intravenous formulation of selonabant. Investors should view this grant positively as it reduces financial strain and supports the company’s R&D efforts without tapping into equity markets.

Market Research Analyst

The commitment from NIDA underscores the growing concern around acute cannabis-induced toxic effects, especially in vulnerable populations like children. This emerging market presents a significant opportunity for Anebulo Pharmaceuticals. As the use of cannabis becomes more widespread, so too does the incidence of accidental ingestion, particularly among children. The market for emergency treatments addressing these toxic effects is relatively underserved, providing Anebulo with a first-mover advantage. The grant not only represents financial support but also positions the company as a leader in this critical area of public health. Investors should consider the long-term market potential and the company's strategic positioning within this niche.

AUSTIN, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Anebulo Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: ANEB), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing novel solutions for people suffering from acute cannabis-induced toxic effects (the “Company” or “Anebulo”), has been awarded the first tranche of a two year cooperative grant of up to approximately $1.9 million from the National Institute on Drug Abuse (“NIDA”), part of the National Institutes of Health (“NIH”), to support the development of intravenous selonabant, for the potential use as an emergency treatment of acute cannabis-induced toxicities, including cannabis-induced CNS depression in children. The grant comes in the form of two tranches with the initial award of $0.9 million and subsequent funding of approximately $1 million subject to certain milestones. The grant was awarded under NIH award number 1U01DA059995-01.

“We are honored to receive this cooperative grant award from NIDA to support the further development of intravenous selonabant,” commented Ken Cundy, CSO of Anebulo Pharmaceuticals. “We believe this provides additional validation of the significant and growing unmet medical need for an emergency antidote to cannabis. Acute cannabis exposure in children represents a potentially life-threatening condition that can result in CNS depression, respiratory depression, coma, and in rare cases death. Research has shown that children are much more sensitive to the toxic effects of cannabis. Younger children have an underdeveloped endocannabinoid system with significantly more of the primary cannabinoid receptor type 1 (CB1) receptors present in their brains. As a direct consequence, pediatric cannabis ingestion can result in much more serious outcomes than in adults, and a much greater risk of hospitalization and admission to intensive care.”

“This important grant from NIDA recognizes the progress we have already made with the successful Phase 2 proof of concept study of oral selonabant and provides further momentum for advancing the intravenous formulation towards clinical testing,” said Richie Cunningham, CEO, Anebulo Pharmaceuticals. “If approved, we believe selonabant has the potential to offer a much-needed targeted therapy for rapidly reversing the serious and life-threatening consequences of accidental cannabis ingestion in children. This grant aligns with our recent decision to prioritize development of the intravenous formulation and we look forward to working closely with NIDA scientific staff on this important program.”

About Selonabant (ANEB-001)

Our lead product candidate is selonabant (ANEB-001), a potent, small molecule antagonist of CB1, under development to address the unmet medical need for a specific antidote for cannabis toxicity, including ACI and unintentional cannabis poisoning. Selonabant is an orally bioavailable, readily absorbed treatment candidate that we anticipate will rapidly reverse key symptoms of ACI. Selonabant is also under development as a parenteral treatment for unintentional cannabis poisoning. Selonabant is protected by two issued patents covering various methods of use of the compound and composition of matter of the crystalline form of selonabant. We also have multiple pending applications covering various methods of use of the compound and delivery systems. An observational study in patients presenting to Emergency Departments with ACI is currently ongoing. The study will determine concentrations of cannabinoids and metabolites in plasma and gather information on signs and symptoms, patients’ disposition and selected subjective assessments.

About Anebulo Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

Anebulo Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing novel solutions for people suffering from acute cannabinoid intoxication, unintentional cannabis intoxication and, longer term, for substance use disorders. Its lead product candidate, selonabant, has completed dosing in a Phase 2 clinical trial (www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05282797) evaluating its utility in blocking and reversing the negative effects of acute cannabinoid intoxication. Selonabant is a competitive antagonist at the human CB1. For further information about Anebulo, please visit www.anebulo.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

Statements contained in this press release that are not statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements as defined in Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. In some cases, these forward-looking statements can be identified by words such as "anticipate," "designed," "expect," "may," "will," "should" and other comparable terms. Forward-looking statements include statements regarding the potential use of selonabant as an emergency treatment of acute cannabis-induced toxicities, including cannabis-induced CNS depression in children, the grant providing additional validation of the significant and growing unmet medical need for an emergency antidote to cannabis, acute cannabis exposure in children representing a potentially life-threatening condition that can result in CNS depression, respiratory depression, coma, and in rare cases death, children being much more sensitive to the toxic effects of cannabis, pediatric cannabis ingestion resulting in much more serious outcomes than in adults, and a much greater risk of hospitalization and admission to intensive care and working closely with the NIDA scientific staff and the potential of selonabant to offer a much-needed targeted therapy for rapidly reversing the serious and life-threatening consequences of accidental cannabis ingestion in children . You are cautioned that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties and assumptions, including, but not limited to: our ability to pursue our regulatory strategy, our ability to obtain regulatory approvals for commercialization of product candidates or to comply with ongoing regulatory requirements, our ability to obtain or maintain the capital or grants necessary to fund our research and development activities, our ability to complete clinical trials on time and achieve desired results and benefits as expected, regulatory limitations relating to our ability to promote or commercialize our product candidates for specific indications, acceptance of our product candidates in the marketplace and the successful development, marketing or sale of our products, our ability to maintain our license agreements, the continued maintenance and growth of our patent estate and our ability to retain our key employees or maintain our Nasdaq listing. These risks should not be construed as exhaustive and should be read together with the other cautionary statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended June 30, 2023, and our subsequent filings with the SEC, including subsequent periodic reports on Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K. All forward-looking statements made in this press release speak only as of the date of this press release and are based on management's assumptions and estimates as of such date. Except as required by law, Anebulo undertakes no obligation to update or revise forward-looking statements to reflect new information, future events, changed conditions or otherwise after the date of this press release.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240722151136/en/

Anebulo Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

Dan George

Acting Chief Financial Officer

(512) 598-0931

Dan@anebulo.com

Source: Anebulo Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

FAQ

What is the purpose of the NIDA grant awarded to Anebulo Pharmaceuticals (ANEB)?

The NIDA grant of up to $1.9 million is to support the development of intravenous selonabant as a potential emergency treatment for acute cannabis-induced toxicities, particularly cannabis-induced CNS depression in children.

How much is the initial tranche of the NIDA grant awarded to Anebulo Pharmaceuticals (ANEB)?

The initial tranche of the NIDA grant awarded to Anebulo Pharmaceuticals is $0.9 million.

What is the potential application of selonabant being developed by Anebulo Pharmaceuticals (ANEB)?

Selonabant is being developed as a potential emergency antidote for acute cannabis exposure, particularly for rapidly reversing serious and life-threatening consequences of accidental cannabis ingestion in children.

Has Anebulo Pharmaceuticals (ANEB) conducted any clinical trials for selonabant?

Yes, Anebulo Pharmaceuticals has successfully completed a Phase 2 proof of concept study for oral selonabant.