Elka Touitou

The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel

Title: CBD New Technologies with Enhanced Therapeutic Activity

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Biography

Prof. Elka Touitou is the Head of Dermal, Transdermal, Transmucosal Delivery Lab at The Hebrew University of Jerusalem. She is an internationally recognized authority in the field of drug delivery and design of novel and advanced technologies for delivery of cannabinoids and for drug dermal/transdermal and nasal delivery research. She has served as a member in the Board of Directors of Controlled Release Society (CRS) and as President of the ICRS (Israeli Controlled Release Society). She has more than 100 scientific original research papers, reviews, books editorial and chapters. Prof. Touitou received numerous awards including the Kaye Innovation Award 2006 and 2020, as one of the leader innovators at the Hebrew University. She is the inventor of more than 50 granted international patents. She is in the Scientific Advisory Board of several startups and dermal and cosmetic companies.

Abstract

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a non-psychoactive component of cannabis.  The molecule is used in the treatment of numerous illnesses including pain, inflammation and epilepsy. However, due to its low bioavailability, there is a need for new approaches to better deliver this molecule. We have designed and investigated a portfolio (IP) of breakthrough technologies answering the need for new efficient cannabinoid pharmaceutical products for treatment of serious ailments. The new cannabinoid compositions are aimed for administration by various routes including nasal, oral and dermal/ transdermal. The nasal dosage forms have the unique property of a quick onset of action allowing administration of high doses of cannabinoid. The oral technology is effective shortly after administration and remains efficient for a period of at least ten hours. CBD transdermal system acts as a reservoir for the active molecule upon application on the skin, enabling prolonged and efficient treatments. The novel technologies, being efficient and safe, are an important advance in the design of new topical and/transdermal cannabinoid products.   By such a versatility of novel dosage forms, we answer unmet needs enabling enhanced efficiency of cannabinoids for various treatments. The feasibility of these novel technologies was tested in vivo in pharmacokinetic studies and in animal models for various ailments.