SEATTLE, WA / ACCESSWIRE / May 3, 2016 / The medical cannabis industry has been a hot topic within the investment community over the past month after GW Pharmaceuticals plc (NASDAQ: GWPH) reported positive results in the first of two clinical trials evaluating Epidiolex for the treatment of rare forms of epilepsy. In 120 randomized patients suffering from Dravet syndrome, Epidiolex reduced the number of monthly seizures by 39% compared to 11% for patients receiving placebo.
The news sent shares in a number of marijuana companies sharply higher including Medical Marijuana Inc. (OTC: MJNA) and others. In reality, few companies are conducting high quality clinical trials evaluating the safety and efficacy of cannabinoids across indications. Popular marijuana stocks may command the headlines, but lesser known names may provide the greatest potential upside from eventual FDA approvals.
OWC Pharmaceutical Corp. (OTC: OWCP) is an Israeli based developer of cannabinoid-based therapies targeting a variety of different indications. In partnership with leading Israeli hospitals and scientific institutions, the company is working with internationally renowned investigators to conduct clinical trials evaluating the effectiveness of cannabinoids in the treatment of various medical conditions, with an initial focus on multiple myeloma.
The company recently announced the completion of in-vitro testing of its formulation for the treatment of multiple myeloma cell lines. After observing dose-dependent efficacy, the team is gearing up for pre-clinical studies on mice designed to assess the safety and efficacy of these compounds before eventually moving on to human subjects. Multiple myeloma accounts for 2% of all cancer deaths and is one of the most deadly forms of the disease.
"The preliminary results of the in-vitro studies of our cannabinoid formulation on multiple myeloma were very positive, so we have decided to advance the study on live animals, in this case mice," said Dr. Yehuda Baruch, OWC's Director of Research in a recent press release discussing the early-stage in-vitro results. "We hope that the efficacy and safety trial will give us the comfort we need to continue on to the human stage of testing."
CFN Media recently interviewed the OWC Pharmaceuticals management team to discuss the company's latest progress and where it's headed. If the video below does not display properly, please follow this link to watch the interview on CannabisFN: http://www.cannabisfn.com/cfnvideo/?id=sLXXiKPI.
OWC Pharmaceuticals' early-stage in-vitro results were very promising. Specific formulations of CBD and THC decreased survival of multiple myeloma cells in a concentration-dependent manner, and resulted in 100% malignant cell death in 60% of cases. Over the long-term, the company plans to expand these trials to target other indications like psoriasis, fibromyalgia, migraines, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
In addition to its clinical trials, the company also provides consulting services to companies and governments navigating the complex international cannabis regulatory framework. The team recently launched its services in the United States, where they help companies seeking to start medical marijuana businesses. Their services include regulatory compliance services and patient-care consultancy services to both U.S. and E.U. clients.
These consulting services are similar to those offered by other companies, like American Cannabis Company Inc. (OTC: AMMJ), but focus on the medical side of the business rather than the recreational. In particular, the company's patient-focused consulting services are relatively unique within cannabis industry. These areas of focus leverage its expertise in running the research division.
OWC Pharmaceuticals has an experienced management team and advisory board at the helm to execute on its research and consulting divisions. President and CEO Mordechai Bignitz and Ziv Turner both have extensive experience in founding and investing in companies. On the science side, Dr. Yehuda Baruch headed the Israeli Ministry of Health's Medical Marijuana Program between 2003 and 2013, while CSO Dr. Asaf Toker was Medical Director of a major health company.
Investors interested in capitalizing on the medical cannabis industry following GW Pharmaceuticals' favorable clinical results may want to check out OWC Pharma as an attractive and lesser-known play in the burgeoning industry.
For more information, visit the company's website at http://www.owcpharma.com/.
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CFN launched in June of 2013 to initially serve the growing universe of publicly traded marijuana companies across the US and Canada. Today, CFN Media is also the emerging digital media choice for the top brands in the space.
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Except for the historical information presented herein, matters discussed in this article contain forward-looking statements that are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such statements. Important factors that could cause these differences include, but are not limited to, the demand for the company's services, governmental regulation of the cannabis industry, and the company's ability to execute its business plan. Emerging Growth LLC dba TDM Financial, which owns CFN Media, is not registered with any financial or securities regulatory authority, and does not provide nor claim to provide investment advice or recommendations to readers of this release. Emerging Growth LLC dba TDM Financial, which owns CFN Media, may from time to time have a position in the securities mentioned herein and may increase or decrease such positions without notice. For making specific investment decisions, readers should seek their own advice. For full disclosure please visit:http://www.cannabisfn.com/legal-disclaimer/.
SOURCE: CFN Media
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