“I am delighted to start this collaboration with LGP and very thankful for having the opportunity to expand my research in the field of medicinal cannabis in relation to obesity and gastrointestinal diseases,” Professor Falasca said.

“Obesity has reached epidemic proportions globally with at least 2.8 million people dying annually as a result of being overweight or obese and current drug treatments have significant adverse side-effects and need to be injected by patients.[1]

“Some of the more than 100 cannabinoids present in the cannabis plant cannabinoids have been shown to have therapeutic potential for obesity. Our research will seek to unlock further understanding of the role these cannabinoids can play in regulating gut function, their mechanism of action and optimal dosing for therapeutic effect to help weight loss.”

It is anticipated that the research findings will allow Curtin and LGP to move to the next phase of testing these drugs in human trials.

The global obesity treatment drug market was valued at US$729.9 million in 2019 and is forecast to reach US$1.08 billion by 2027, at a compounded annual growth rate of 5.0%.2

LGP Head of Research and Innovation Dr Leon Warne said LGP will fund the study in three stages, with the final stage anticipated to be completed by February 2023.

“LGP is excited to commence this investigation into a novel proprietary treatment option for obesity and related diseases,” Dr Warne said.

“Supporting this type of research, which studies the use of medicinal cannabis in difficult to treat conditions, is a cornerstone of our business and key to our R&D strategy.” 

About Curtin University

Curtin University is Western Australia’s largest university, with more than 59,000 students. In addition to the University’s main campus in Perth, Curtin also has a major regional campus in Kalgoorlie, and a campus in Midland, as well as four global campuses in Malaysia, Singapore, Dubai and Mauritius.

Curtin staff and students come from Australia and 100 other countries around the world, with half our international students studying at Curtin’s offshore campuses.

For further information, visit: curtin.edu.au.

About Little Green Pharma

Little Green Pharma is a global, vertically integrated and geographically diverse medicinal cannabis and psychedelics business with operations from cultivation and production through to manufacturing and distribution.

Little Green Pharma has a strong focus on patient access in the emerging global medicinal cannabis market and is actively engaged in promoting education and outreach programs, as well as participating in clinical investigations and research projects to develop innovative new delivery systems.

For further information, visit: www.littlegreenpharma.com