Avicanna Inc., a biopharmaceutical company focused on the development, manufacturing, and commercialization of plant-derived cannabinoid-based products is pleased to announce that three (3) Pura Earth products are to be launched in Canada in Q2 2021 through the Medical Cannabis by Shoppers™ online portal, and in adult-use channels including the provincials retailers and storefronts in Ontario and Saskatchewan.
Pura Earth and the Potential of CBD Skincare
The Pura Earth product formulations have been developed and optimized to deliver purified, THC-free cannabidiol (“CBD”) in synergistic combinations with other natural ingredients known to provide specific functional benefits in skincare1–2. CBD has been shown to promote skin health by inducing antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic responses that could be beneficial for a variety of dermatological conditions as eczema or atopic dermatitis1-3. In addition, CBD can down-regulate the activity of cells that are critical in the production of skin oils and therefore may dampen the production in acne-prone skin4.
The three (3) Pura Earth products are dermatologist tested to ensure there are no occurrences of skin irritation or sensitization; and demonstrated to have physical and chemical stability and have shelf life of at least 2 years. The formulations have been optimized over the last three (3) years through Avicanna’s R&D infrastructure, to increase CBD uptake into the skin and address various consumer needs. In addition to the completed clinical trials all Pura Earth products are not tested on animals and are vegan.
“We are thrilled to announce Pura Earth’s initial entrance into the Canadian market through various cannabis channels where we are optimistic about its market potential as an industry leading cannabinoid-based skin care line. We have been pleasantly surprised by the initial interest from consumers, retailers and our partners in Canada for these products and believe the line will help set the standard for cannabinoid-based skin care as the first pre-clinically backed, dermatologist tested product offering,” states Aras Azadian, CEO Avicanna Inc.
The Canadian Market Opportunity and Global Market Potential
Pura Earth branded products are positioned to become a leading international CBD skincare brand including its successful initial product launch in Colombia, prior to the Canadian this quarter and expected launches planned for 2021 in the United States, the United Kingdom and Ecuador.
Pura Earth will launch in Canada through the Medical Cannabis by Shoppers™ online platform and adult-use channels including initial listings in Ontario and Saskatchewan. In addition to providing the first pre-clinically backed skincare products to the Canadian cannabis market, Pura Earth is poised to be a top choice among new consumers entering the cannabis space in search of topical products. In a 2021 report on Canadian cannabis consumers, Deloitte noted that nearly half of new users are more likely to prefer CBD-only products with 34% of existing consumers citing general health & wellness as drivers of CBD consumption.
Additionally, the Canadian launch of Pura Earth is potentially the first step in a long-term national strategy which may include the regulatory pathway to commercialize CBD topical products across cosmetic, over the counter and natural health product designations.
About the Initial 3 Pura Earth Products and the Clinical Studies
The 3 cosmetic clinical studies were completed on Avicanna’s formulations targeting cosmetic factors associated with aging, acne-prone skin, and eczema-prone skin. The successfully completed studies involved 156 patients that were tested for safety and specific derma-cosmetic endpoints, including hydration and excess oil production. All three studies achieved positive results in the endpoints with no adverse effects, making Pura Earth one of the only cannabinoid consumer lines with human safety and efficacy data. For more information please see Clinicaltrials.gov Registry.
- Rosemary and Tea Tree Gel: Water-based gel contains beta-caryophyllene and tea tree extract that are known to have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties5-7. In addition, rosemary oil extract has demonstrated actions against the symptomatic treatment of acne8,9. In Avicanna’s clinical study, the Rosemary and Tea Tree Gel was investigated for its short- and long-term effects on skin hydration and sebum (oil) production on acne-prone or oily skin. The results showed significant increase in skin hydration and a significant decrease in oiliness in 93% of participants who had oily skin.
- Colloidal Oatmeal Cream: Oil-based formula uniquely marries CBD, colloidal oatmeal and hemp seed oil aimed at relieving skin redness2,10. Colloidal oatmeal has been shown to improve skin dryness, roughness, and itch intensity10. Avicanna’s clinical study of Colloidal Oatmeal Cream evaluated its effect on skin hydration and erythema and found that 86% of participants had decreased skin redness after 3 hours and increased skin hydration.
- Japanese Cedar Bud Face Cream: Rich, lightly scented white cream with a unique amalgamation of purified CBD, Japanese cedar bud, tocopheral and hemp seed oil. This formula targets aging skin and is aimed at enhancing skin texture and skin renewal11.
References:
1. Tóth, K. F., et al. (2019). Cannabinoid Signaling in the Skin: Therapeutic Potential of the “C(ut)annabinoid” System. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland), 24(5), 918. htt ps://doi.org/10.3390/molecules24050918
2. Baswan, S. M., et al. (2020). Therapeutic Potential of Cannabidiol (CBD) for Skin Health and Disorders. Clinical, cosmetic and investigational dermatology, 13, 927–942. htt ps://doi.org/10.2147/CCID.S286411
3. Atalay S, et al. (2020). Anti oxidative and Anti -Inflammatory Properties of Cannabidiol. Anti oxidants. 9(1):21.
4. Oláh, A., Tóth, B., et al. (2014). Cannabidiol exerts sebostatic and anti-inflammatory effects on human sebocytes. The Journal of clinical investigation, 124(9), 3713–3724.
5. Committee on Herbal Medicinal Products (HMPC). (2013). Assessment report on Melaleuca alternifolia (Tea tree oil) and other species of Melaleuca, aetheroleum. European Medicines Agency. Article 16d(1), Article 16f and Article 16h of Directive 2001/83/.
6. Carson, C. F., Hammer, K. A., & Riley, T. V. (2006). Melaleuca alternifolia (Tea Tree) oil: a review of antimicrobial and other medicinal properties. Clinical microbiology reviews, 19(1), 50–62.
7. Bassett IB et al. (1990). A comparative study of tea tree oil versus benzoyl peroxide in the treatment of acne. Medical Journal of Australia, 153:455-458.
8. Andrade, J. M., Faustino, C., et al, (2018). Rosmarinus officinalis L.: an update review of its phytochemistry and biological activity. Future science OA, 4(4), FSO283.
9. Tsai, T. H., Chuang, L. T., et al, (2013). Rosmarinus officinalis extract suppresses Propionibacterium acnes-induced inflammatory responses. Journal of medicinal food, 16(4), 324–333.
10. Reynertson, K. A., Garay, M., Nebus, J., Chon, S., Kaur, S., Mahmood, K., Kizoulis, M., & Southall, M. D. (2015). Anti-inflammatory activities of colloidal oatmeal (Avena sativa) contribute to the effectiveness of oats in treatment of itch associated with dry, irritated skin. Journal of drugs in dermatology : JDD, 14(1), 43–48.
11. Horiba, H., et al. (2016). Biological Activities of Extracts from Different Parts of Cryptomeria japonica. Natural product communications, 11(9), 1337–1342.
About Avicanna Inc.
Avicanna is a diversified and vertically integrated Canadian biopharmaceutical company focused on the research, development, and commercialization of plant-derived, cannabinoid-based products for the global consumer, medical, and pharmaceutical market segments.
