Israeli researchers work on CBD-based treatment for COVID-19

Although the origin of this particular viral strain is still disputed, what we do know is that COVID-19 belongs to the family of coronaviruses, which includes other upper respiratory tract infections, such as MERS (Middle East Respiratory Syndrome) and SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome). Coronaviruses have existed for thousands of years , and are common among humans and many animal species. The most common early symptoms of coronavirus are fever, cough, and shortness of breath.

Many coronavirus-infected patients receive antivirals, use respirators to facilitate blood oxygenation, and undergo other invasive treatment methods. But, is there a natural alternative? Can cannabidiol (CBD) be used to treat and, possibly, prevent COVID-19? This is exactly what researchers in Israel are trying to ascertain.

CBD exosomes for the treatment of COVID-19

InnoCan Pharma, an Israeli company specialising in the development of cannabinoid-based drugs to combat psoriasis and muscle pains, recently formed a partnership with Ramot, the technology transfer arm of Tel Aviv University. Together, they are working on a new treatment for COVID-19 using exosomes loaded with CBD (cannabidiol).

Exosomes are small particles created when stem cells multiply. They can act as "guided missiles", targeting specific organs that have been damaged. They also play an important role in cell-to-cell communications.

According to a press release, "exosomes loaded with CBD possess the potential to have a highly synergistic effect, of anti-inflammatory properties, and support the recovery of infected lung cells. When the cell healing properties of exosomes are combined with the anti-inflammatory properties of CBD, we expect to see this high synergistic effect," says InnoCan.

Israel, a pioneer in using cannabis against the coronavirus

However, InnoCan is far from being the only Israeli company attempting to draw on cannabis in the fight against COVID-19. Cannasoul Analytics Ltd. also joined the race. Together with Professor Dudi Meiri at Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, Cannasoul will work to develop two complementary drugs for the coronavirus: the first to reduce excessive reactions in the patient's immune system; and the second to slow the course of the disease by reducing receptor expression (a protein that allows the virus to receive and release substances outside the cell).

"We will try to identify the molecules in the plant that can suppress inflammatory reactions by the immune system in coronavirus patients. Cannabis plant molecules have the ability to reduce the immune system's response without suppressing it, providing better treatment than steroids, which completely suppress the immune system”, Meiri explained in a report.

It is well known that CBD has anti-inflammatory properties. A little less well known, however, is the fact that inflammation is a vital response to infection that isolates the affected areas and prevents toxins from spreading throughout the body. Thus, reducing the body's inflammatory immune response would actually be counterproductive, as it can prolong the time during which the pathogen acts. The same applies to fever, which is another necessary immune response.

Much research is, therefore, still needed on the use of CBD for COVID-19, and it is difficult to say when we will see this research implemented. For a drug to be safe and effective, it must be studied very extensively. Tests must be carried out, first in animal models, and then in humans, which can take from months to years.

However, the fact that medical cannabis companies are allying with biotechnological and biomedical companies in the race to develop a cure for the coronavirus is good news in this struggle in which humanity's future is at stake.