Therapeutic properties of THCV
London-based pharmaceutical giant, GW Pharmaceuticals, applied for a patent on THCV in 2004, for its use as a neutral antagonist at CB1 cannabinoid receptors. They are actively developing several cannabinoid-based drugs as we speak, one of which is known as GPW42004 and uses THCV as its primary active ingredient.
The diseases and conditions that are listed on the patent as potential treatment areas are;
- obesity
- schizophrenia
- epilepsy
- cognitive disorders such as Alzheimer’s
- bone disorders
- bulimia
- obesity associated with type II diabetes (non-insulin dependant)
- treatment of drug, alcohol, and nicotine abuse or dependency
However, research into THCV is still in its infancy and only a handful of human studies have been carried out to date. Below we’ve highlighted some of the areas in which THCV appears to offer particularly promising therapeutic potential.
THCV and diabetes
Preclinical research showed that THCV “protects the insulin-producing cells of the pancreatic islets, a highly desirable feature of a new anti-diabetic medicine, increases insulin sensitivity, and reduces fasting plasma glucose levels.”
Following this compelling evidence, GW’s THCV-based drug went into human clinical trials for the treatment of dyslipidemia (elevated levels of cholesterol and fat in the blood) and fatty liver disease in diabetes type II patients. During phase 2a of the trials, CBD, THCV, and combinations of the two cannabinoids were given to study participants, but GWP42004 emerged as GW’s lead candidate in this therapeutic area.
The results from the clinical trial were consistent with the preclinical evidence and now GWP42004 awaits further, larger clinical trials before being approved and marketed as an anti-diabetic medicine.
More on CBD and diabetes here
