Oxford Cannabinoid Technologies (OCT) is leading the charge in cannabinoid-based therapies, focusing on innovative, non-addictive pain medications aimed at reducing opioid dependency. Their groundbreaking work is transforming how debilitating conditions are treated, offering hope to millions worldwide.
On the journey from early-stage discovery work to clinical trials, their mission to harness the therapeutic power of cannabinoids harnesses natural and cutting-edge methods to unlock potentially life-changing innovations.
Here, in an exclusive interview, Clarissa Sowemimo-Coker, chief executive officer of OCT, discusses the company’s novel strategies, the role of artificial intelligence in drug development and the future of cannabinoids in mainstream healthcare…
What makes Oxford Cannabinoid Technologies’ approach to cannabinoid-based medicine unique?
Our unique focus on the endocannabinoid system distinguishes OCT. This complex biological network regulates pain, mood, inflammation, and other critical functions. By targeting this system, we can develop therapies with highly specific mechanisms of action, offering precision in addressing unmet medical needs like chronic pain.
Our diverse pipeline of small-molecule assets reflects our patient-centred, science-driven approach. By offering a range of treatments, we aim to open new therapeutic frontiers and deliver transformative outcomes.
How do you balance innovation with clinical and regulatory compliance?
Balancing innovation with compliance lies at the heart of everything we do. From the earliest stages of research, we embed global regulatory standards, such as those set by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and European Medicines Agency (EMA), into our processes.
For example, our preclinical and clinical trials are meticulously designed to meet stringent safety and efficacy benchmarks, ensuring our therapies are both innovative and ready for widespread adoption.
This approach allows us to innovate within a framework of responsibility and trust, ensuring that our therapies are not only cutting-edge but also ready for widespread adoption by prescription in mainstream healthcare. By integrating compliance into our culture, we can focus on delivering therapies that are both transformative and reliable.
What are the biggest misconceptions about cannabinoids in medicine?
One major misconception is equating cannabinoids with recreational cannabis, overshadowing their sophisticated therapeutic potential. Cannabinoids interact with endocannabinoid receptors like CB1 and CB2, enabling precise treatments for conditions such as chronic pain and inflammation.
Additionally, there is often scepticism about the validity of cannabinoid-based treatments due to a historical lack of rigorous clinical data. However, this is rapidly changing with advances in research and the development of pharmaceutical-grade cannabinoid formulations designed for specific medical applications. We are addressing this gap by conducting robust, controlled clinical studies to demonstrate how targeting the endocannabinoid system can deliver safe, effective, and precise therapies.
By shifting the focus from stigmas surrounding cannabis to the science of endocannabinoid receptor modulation, we aim to reshape perceptions and build confidence in cannabinoids as a legitimate, evidence-based solution for treating complex medical conditions.
How is AI transforming cannabinoid research and drug development?
AI is revolutionising drug discovery. Through our exclusive collaboration with Hypatia AI, we’ve successfully developed an AI-enabled drug discovery asset that acts as a game-changer for early-stage research.
This cutting-edge tool enhances our ability to explore the therapeutic potential of cannabinoids by leveraging AI-driven insights across vast scientific literature and our proprietary library of more than 500 modified cannabinoid derivatives, which are classed as new chemical entities (NCEs). By integrating AI at the earliest stages of the research process, we can uncover connections, build knowledge graphs, and generate hypotheses that might otherwise go unnoticed. This approach enables us to streamline and accelerate the discovery of novel, non-addictive pain medications to address the global opioid crisis.
What sets this AI asset apart is its ability to process and analyse more than 30,000 scientific papers with unmatched speed and depth. Developed in collaboration with David Gordon’s team at Hypatia, the tool functions as an “AI librarian,” augmenting our researchers’ capabilities rather than replacing them. It allows our scientific team to focus on creativity and judgment while amplifying their capacity to discover hidden breakthroughs.
Emerging technologies like this will continue to reshape research, enabling smarter, faster, and more targeted therapeutic discoveries that align with the needs of patients and the demands of a rapidly evolving healthcare landscape.
How do cannabinoids complement or replace existing treatments?
Cannabinoids can complement or replace treatments, especially in chronic pain management, where they offer an alternative to opioids.
Their ability to interact with the endocannabinoid system allows for targeted relief with fewer side effects. In conditions like neuropathic pain, cannabinoids may enhance the efficacy of existing drugs or serve as standalone therapies for patients who haven’t responded to conventional treatments.
What’s your outlook for the cannabinoid market over the next decade?
The market is poised for significant growth. Breakthroughs are likely in areas such as neuropathic pain, inflammation-driven diseases, and even neurodegenerative disorders like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s. As our understanding of the endocannabinoid system deepens, targeted therapies can be developed to modulate specific receptors, opening doors to treatments that are more precise and have fewer side effects.
Additionally, the integration of AI in drug discovery will expedite the identification of novel cannabinoid applications. The market’s expansion will likely be supported by evolving regulatory frameworks, broader physician acceptance, and increasing public awareness of the therapeutic potential of cannabinoids. While conventional applications will remain important, particularly in pain and symptom management, the next decade will see cannabinoids tackling complex, systemic diseases – ushering in a new era of precision medicine.
Do you think cannabinoids will eventually shift from being seen as alternative medicine to mainstream healthcare?
Yes, cannabinoids are well on their way to becoming a cornerstone of mainstream healthcare rather than being viewed as alternative medicine. However, achieving this transition will require several key developments.
First, robust clinical evidence is essential. Large-scale, well-designed trials must continue to demonstrate the safety, efficacy, and cost-effectiveness of cannabinoid-based treatments. This will build confidence among healthcare professionals and regulators.
Second, education is critical. Misconceptions about cannabinoids persist, even among healthcare providers. Widespread education awareness campaigns aimed at physicians, patients, and policymakers can help shift perceptions by emphasising the science and therapeutic potential of cannabinoids rather than their association with recreational use.
Third, advancements in drug formulation and delivery methods will play a role. As we develop more precise and predictable cannabinoid therapies – such as those involving NCEs or personalised treatments – cannabinoids will increasingly align with the standards of modern pharmaceuticals.
Finally, regulatory evolution will be pivotal. Clearer guidelines and frameworks will enable faster approval of cannabinoid-based therapies, ensuring that they reach patients in need more efficiently. As the evidence base grows and public demand increases, we anticipate cannabinoids becoming a trusted, mainstream option for a wide range of conditions.
Ultimately, the transition will depend on collaboration between innovators, healthcare systems, and regulators to ensure cannabinoids are not only scientifically validated but also accessible, affordable, and understood as a vital part of modern medicine.
Clarissa Sowemimo-Coker is CEO of Oxford Cannabinoid Technologies.
