COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo.,
Feb. 27, 2015 /PRNewswire/ --
Cannabis Science, Inc. (OTCQB: CBIS), a U.S. Company specializing
in cannabis formulation-based drug development, announces that an
article published in the March/April
2015 issue of HIV Plus is highlighting Cannabis Science's
clinical research programs to develop cannabinoid-based treatments
for Kaposi's sarcoma and HIV-driven inflammation. Recent
peer-reviewed publications have demonstrated the potential of
cannabinoids to address these two diseases, for which new
treatments are urgently needed. Cannabis Science is the only
company working on the development of cannabinoid-based drugs for
Kaposi's sarcoma and HIV-driven inflammation.
"Could Cannabis Treat HIV?"
(http://www.hivplusmag.com/treatment/2015/02/24/could-cannabis-treat-hiv)
is the second article featured in a leading HIV media venue on
research that has been published by leading academic institutions
on investigations of the utility of cannabinoids as safe and
cost-effective treatments for Kaposi's sarcoma and HIV-driven
inflammation, highlighting Cannabis Science's clinical research
programs (see Cannabinoids as Treatment). Researchers from
Harvard Medical School found that
Cannabidiol (CBD) inhibits growth and induces cell death in
Kaposi's sarcoma herpesvirus (KSHV) infected endothelium and
conclude further research is warranted on the potential of CBD to
address this AIDS-defining cancer. Kaposi's sarcoma significantly
declined with the advent of highly active antiretroviral therapy
(HAART), but is increasing again in HIV patients in the U.S. at
higher CD4 counts than before and remains a leading cause of death
in people living with HIV in developing nations.
Research conducted by Mt. Sinai and Temple
University found that cannabinoids have direct antiviral
activity against HIV. The team at Mt. Sinai reported that
agonists of Cannabinoid Receptor 2 (CB2) reduced infection in
primary CD4+ T cells following cell-free and cell-to-cell
transmission of CXCR4-tropic HIV. Researchers at Temple University discovered that CB2 agonism may
be a strategy to limit HIV infection of macrophages, which has
implications for efforts for HIV cure research.
"Kaposi's sarcoma is comprised of KSHV infected tumor spindle
cells and tumors associated macrophages that provide a growth
factor environment supporting tumor cell growth," said Mike McGrath, MD, PhD, Professor of Laboratory
Medicine, University of California San
Francisco and a member of the Company's Scientific Advisory
Board. "Modulation of CB2 would predictably interfere with
ongoing macrophage HIV infection and decrease inflammation, both
activities that would limit the production of tumor promoting
factors leading to interference with tumor growth."
The recently published article in HIV Plus, as well as
previously published articles in A&U magazine
(http://aumag.org/wordpress/2013/07/09/cannabinoids-as-treatment/)
and TheBodyPro, support the development of cannabinoid-based
treatments for Kaposi's sarcoma and HIV-driven inflammation.
Growing consensus amongst Key Opinion leaders support the premise
that Cannabinoid based therapies could result in significant
advances in reaching the new goals unveiled at the XX International
AIDS Conference this past July in Melbourne, Australia. These articles also
support the momentum for federal funding for research on
cannabinoid based therapies for Kaposi's sarcoma and HIV, given
that the U.S. is the largest funder of global HIV treatment, care
and prevention in the world and is heavily invested in controlling
HIV both in the U.S. and around the world through programs AIDS
Clinical Trials Group (ACTG), PEPFAR and The Global Fund to Fight
AIDS, TB and Malaria.
In addition to these two articles, POZ published an article, "Up
in Smoke"
(http://www.poz.com/articles/medical_marijuana_2916_26814.shtml?utm_source=homepage&utm_medium=mainstage&utm_campaign=print)
in the February 2015 issue on the
benefits of medical marijuana for HIV patients featuring Dr.
David Hardy and Dr. Gary Blick.
"Cannabis Science is eager to initiate human studies on Kaposi's
sarcoma, which is a leading cause of morbidity in people living
with HIV both in the U.S. and overseas. Our forthcoming
clinical investigations hope to advance a cost-effective
therapeutic that represents a low economic barrier to access to
patients in resource-poor settings that presents comparable
efficacy to current clinical approaches," said Roscoe M. Moore, Jr., DVM, PhD, MPH, Assistant
U.S. Surgeon General (Retired) who serves on the Scientific
Advisory Board of Cannabis Science.
Under the guidance of its Scientific Advisory Board, Cannabis
Science is maturing its clinical research program, CS-TATI-1, to
develop cannabinoid-based treatments for Kaposi's sarcoma and
HIV-driven inflammation.
HIV Plus (www.hivplusmag.com) is a leading U.S. HIV community
publication read by patients, clinicians, advocates and others
involved in the HIV pandemic. Founded in 1989, HIV Plus
covers a wide range of HIV-related topics including new research,
advances in treatment, new prevention interventions and social
issues. HIV Plus provides news that raises awareness of HIV-related
cultural and policy developments in the U.S. and throughout the
world. This national magazine is distributed at medical
centers and AIDS service organizations throughout the country.
About Cannabis Science, Inc.
Cannabis Science, Inc., takes advantage of its unique
understanding of metabolic processes to provide novel treatment
approaches to a number of illnesses. Currently, there are a growing
number of peer-reviewed scientific publications that document the
underlying biochemical pathways that cannabinoids modulate. The
Company works with leading experts in drug development, medicinal
characterization, and clinical research to develop, produce, and
commercialize novel therapeutic approaches.
Forward Looking Statements
This Press Release includes forward-looking statements within
the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and
Section 21E of the Securities Act of 1934. A statement containing
words such as "anticipate," "seek," intend," "believe," "estimate,"
"expect," "project," "plan," or similar phrases may be deemed
"forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private
Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Some or all of the events
or results anticipated by these forward-looking statements may not
occur. Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences
include the future U.S. and global economies, the impact of
competition, and the Company's reliance on existing regulations
regarding the use and development of cannabis-based drugs. Cannabis
Science, Inc., does not undertake any duty nor does it intend to
update the results of these forward-looking statements.
Cannabis Science, Inc.
Raymond C. Dabney, President &
CEO, Co-Founder
raymond@cannabisscience.com
Tel: 1.310.650.3788
Chad S. Johnson, Esq., Director,
COO, & General Counsel
www.cannabisscience.com
info@cannabisscience.com
Tel: 1.888.777.0658
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SOURCE Cannabis Science, Inc.