Simon Benita

Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel

Title: The ocular anti-inflammatory CBD nanoemulsion safety challenge

---

Biography

Simon Benita is a Professor at The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, where he received his Ph.D. in Pharmaceutics (1980). His research is focused on nano delivery technologies aimed at improving the therapeutic performance of active ingredients. He has published 162 research articles, 21 book chapters, edited 3 books, and been issued more than 40 patents/patent applications. He is the former Head of the School of Pharmacy (2010-2014) and a serial entrepreneur. He received the Hebrew University’s Kaye Innovation Award in 2000, 2005, and again in 2014. Prof. Benita is a Knight in the National Order of Merit of France (2012).

Abstract

Cannabidiol is a highly lipophilic and labile phytocannabinoid, effective in many diseases. However, a scarce number of studies evaluated its potential in ocular inflammatory states. In addition, a controversy on its use for ophthalmic purposes arose after some researchers reported its negative impact on intraocular pressure (IOP) while others in the past, showed no effect or a decrease in this parameter. Thus, the aims of the present study were first to develop a stable and suitable, purified CBD ocular delivery system since its physicochemical properties do not allow a simple incorporation into conventional aqueous eye drops. Then, evaluate its potential therapeutic effect on an ocular inflammation model and lastly, assess the impact of the optimal formulations on the IOP.

CBD nanoemulsions were therefore designed and optimized to meet ocular physiological requirements. Stability of the compound was resolved by adding a specific antioxidant to the final formulation. Further, experimental LPS induced keratitis exhibited the anti-inflammatory effect of CBD utilized at high concentrations, from 0.4% to 1.6% w/v, while lower concentrations did not show any impact on the inflammatory markers analyzed. Interestingly, the CBD therapeutic concentrations in that model, were also the ones that decrease or did not impact the IOP measured on murine eyes, while the lower concentration of 0.16%w/v increased it, leading to a bell-shaped dose-response curve.

In conclusion, our results show for the first time, that CBD could be considered as a potential treatment for ocular surface inflammatory disorders, provided that an adequate dose-response range is identified in humans.