Avicanna Announces Results of Study in Patients with Epidermolysis Bullosa

Published: May 14, 2024

Avicanna Announces Results of Study in Patients with Epidermolysis Bullosa

Avicanna Inc., a biopharmaceutical company focused on the development, manufacturing, and commercialization of plant-derived cannabinoid-based products is pleased to announce the completion of the retrospective observational real-world evidence study (“Study”) using its RHO Phyto™ branded Ultra CBD Topical Cream on patients with epidermolysis bullosa (“EB”).

The study was led by Elena Pope, MD, M.Sc., FRCPC, Head of Dermatology at The Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto and evaluated the tolerability and efficacy of RHO Phyto™ branded Ultra CBD Topical Cream in patients with epidermolysis bullosa. The retrospective cohort study evaluated the reported and documented responses related to wound healing, pain, and itch end points through images for study purposes to examine and evaluate the effect of RHO Phyto™ branded Ultra CBD Topical Cream on wound healing. The RHO Phyto™ branded Ultra CBD Topical Cream is an oil based 3% CBD localized cream developed to target dermatology conditions.

The Study enrolled 20 patients (14 male patients and 6 female patients) with an average age of 17.3 years with various subtypes of epidermolysis bullosa including dystrophic (60%), simplex (30%) and junctional (10%). After one month of daily application of the 3% CBD Cream, 55% of patient reported improvements in wound healing while 45% displayed wound stability. Evaluation of self-reported itch and pain scores were reported in 65% and 50% of patients, respectively. Of the study participants evaluated, 45% continued to use treatment over 6 months. The study results will be presented at Avicanna’s symposium on May 13th by Dr. Camila Sofia Arriaga Egnen from The Hospital for Sick Children.

Dr. Elena Pope stated, “The use of RHO Phyto™ branded Ultra CBD Topical Cream is a novel topical therapeutic option for EB patients, providing symptom relief and potentially aiding in wound healing with good tolerability. Further prospective studies are needed to substantiate these findings.”

“We are pleased to see the Study reporting early positive results for RHO Phyto™ branded Ultra CBD Topical Cream in a patient population that continues to seek treatment for its catastrophic condition,” stated Karolina Urban, PhD, Executive Vice President of Medical Affairs, Avicanna Inc. Dr. Urban further stated, “These results are critical in helping guide us in the next steps in the further development of our medical products and pharmaceutical pipeline.”

About Epidermolysis Bullosa
Epidermolysis bullosa (EB) is a rare group of inherited diseases that cause fragile skin, leading to blistering and tearing. The estimated incidence and prevalence of EB in the United States are 19 per million live births and 8 per million, respectively.1 EB severity varies, ranging from mild skin involvement to a devastating multisystem disorder with secondary complications affecting various organs and reducing life expectancy.2 Currently there is no cure or well-accepted disease modifying treatments for EB. Treatment is palliative with the aims of promoting patient well-being, optimizing wound healing, and monitoring for and treating secondary complications.2,3

1. Fine J-D. Inherited epidermolysis bullosa. Orphanet J Rare Dis. BioMed Central; 2010 May 28;5(1):12.
2. MSc EPM, MSc IL-CM, MD JM, MD AM, PhD GSM, PhD RB, et al. A consensus approach to wound care in epidermolysis bullosa. Journal of American Dermatology. Elsevier Inc; 2012 Mar 1;67(5):1–14.
3. Mellerio JE, Weiner M, Denyer JE, Pillay EI, LUCKY AW, Bruckner A, et al. Medical management of epidermolysis bullosa: Proceedings of the IInd International Symposium on Epidermolysis Bullosa, Santiago, Chile, 2005. International Journal of Dermatology. Blackwell Publishing Ltd; 2007 Aug 1;46(8):795–800.

About Avicanna Inc.
Avicanna is a commercial-stage international biopharmaceutical company focused on the advancement and commercialization of cannabinoid-based products and formulations for the global medical and pharmaceutical market segments. Avicanna has an established scientific platform including R&D and clinical development leading to the commercialization of more than thirty proprietary, evidence-based finished products and supporting four commercial stage business pillars.