New Oral Film Tech Improving Cannabinoid Onset Seeks Patent Protection

Pharmaceutical films leader IntelGenx Corp. IGXT filed a provisional patent application with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) for advanced oral film formulations containing inventive claims of a non-combustible product alternative administering cannabinoids with a quicker onset for the medical and recreational cannabis markets.

The patent would cover a newly-developed platform that enables the incorporation of lipophilic active ingredients and cannabinoids -such as THC- in buccal and sublingual oral film formulations of cannabis-infused products while optimizing the onset of action all at once. 

The new technology may also be used when more than one ingredient -such as THC and CBD- is applied in a single film product.

IntelGenx’s president and CEO Dr. Horst Zerbe explained that the new patent would be added to the global IP portfolio the company is currently building for VersaFilm, its lead oral film drug delivery platform. IntelGenx anticipates filing additional patent applications for the protection of its newly-developed platform in other international jurisdictions after receiving USPTO approval.

Besides VersaFilm, the other film technologies developed by IntelGenx -namely DisinteQ, VetaFilm and transdermal VevaDerm- allow for the delivery of next-gen pharmaceutical products.

The company’s recent collaborations include the oral formulation of a DMT-based compound developed together with atai Life Sciences ATAI, VLS-01, which is currently undergoing a Phase 1 clinical trial, and the proprietary buprenorphine buccal film, a generic formulation of an opioid for severe pain management co-developed with Chemo Research SL for which an Abbreviated New Drug Application (ANDA) has been filed.

Photo courtesy of geralt and lindsayfox on Pixabay.