Willow Biosciences partners with Lethbridge and Calgary universities to study the effects of non-psychoactive cannabinoids on intestinal inflammation, abdominal pain and depression

Willow Biosciences Inc (TSX:WLLW) (OTCQX:CANSF) has agreed to partner with researchers at the University of Lethbridge and the University of Calgary to study the therapeutic potential of non-psychoactive cannabinoids in treating intestinal inflammation, abdominal pain and depression.

In a statement Thursday, the Vancouver-based company said the studies are financially supported by Alberta Innovates and involve laboratory testing in preclinical models of the disease. 

To support the research, Willow will be providing four different, non-plant derived cannabinoids for use in the study, which is set to begin in the fourth quarter of 2020. The project’s research team will be led by Dr Aaron Gruber, associate professor in the Department of Neuroscience, University of Lethbridge.

READ: Willow Biosciences has successfully developed process for producing CBG with greater than 99% purity and no detectable THC

“Willow is excited to be supporting research on the effects of cannabinoids that could ultimately have an impact on human health,” said Willow CEO Trevor Peters. “Dr Gruber and his team of Alberta researchers are world-renowned for their expertise in neuroscience, pain and the interplay between the gut, brain and endocannabinoid system, that is the target of action of non-psychoactive cannabinoids in the human body.”

Peters added: “Supporting this team allows Willow to give back to the community and impactfully support the development of medical advancements. Simultaneously, the global market for minor and rare cannabinoids is still in its infancy, and to participate first-hand in a research initiative to better understand the potential positive effects helps position Willow as an industry leader.”

Willow noted that its proprietary manufacturing technologies allow it to participate in this research program with minimal capital investment or deviation from its core product development activities.

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