Dr. Igor Kovalchuk. (University of Lethbridge)

By David Opinko / with files from University of Lethbridge

U of L: New medical cannabis cultivars show promise in combatting COVID-19

Apr 22, 2020 | 10:18 AM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – Researchers at the University of Lethbridge, along with their partners, have found that specific cannabis sativa extracts are showing promise as an additional treatment for COVID-19.

Scientists at the university worked alongside Pathway RX, a research firm focused on developing custom cannabis therapies, and Swysh, a company focused on cannabinoid research and development.

“While our most successful extracts require further validation in a large-scale analysis and an animal model, our study is crucial for the future analysis of the effects of medical cannabis on COVID-19,” says Dr. Igor Kovalchuk, a U of L biology professor and CEO of Pathway RX.

Kovalchuck and a team of researchers have submitted a paper on their research about the effects of medical cannabis on the virus, although it has yet to be peer-reviewed or published in a journal.

The study focused on how certain cannabis extracts affected ACE2 and TMPRSS2 proteins. The proteins and imbedded into the cellular membrane and represent a key gateway for the COVID-19 virus to enter host cells.

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The researchers used C. sativa extracts to modulate the levels of these enzymes. Initial data suggest that 13 C. sativa extracts high in the anti-inflammatory CBD (cannabinoid cannabidiol) can modulate ACE2 expression in COVID-19 target tissues and down-regulate TMPRSS2.

According to a release from the university, the results demonstrate that these high-CBD C. sativa lines have the potential to become a useful and safe addition to COVID-19 treatment. They could be used to develop preventative treatments in the form of a mouthwash or throat gargle product for clinical and home use.

“Given the current dire and rapidly developing epidemiological situation, every possible therapeutic opportunity and avenue needs to be considered,” says Kovalchuk. “Our research team is actively pursuing partnerships to conduct clinical trials.”

Through Pathway RX, Kovalchuk has generated more than 1,000 C. sativa hybrids and tested them on human tissues and cells to learn about their biological activity. These varieties have been patented and are currently licensed to Sundial Growers, an Alberta-based licensed cannabis producer and partner of Pathway RX.