InhaleRx has received Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC) approval to start a Phase II clinical trial treating patients suffering from breakthrough cancer pain (BTcP) with its IRX-211 drug-device medication.
The trial will evaluate the safety, efficacy, and dosing of IRX-211 in patients experiencing BTcP, an acute, intense pain that disrupts the lives of cancer patients and is complex to manage via current conventional pain therapies.
BTcP affects a significant population of cancer sufferers globally, with the total addressable market estimated at over US$1 billion, InhaleRx said.
CEO Darryl Davies added: “IRX-211 has the potential to redefine how breakthrough cancer pain is managed, addressing a critical gap in the market currently for safe, fast-acting, non-opioid treatments.
“We are committed to delivering a therapeutic solution that provides reliable relief to cancer patients without the severe side effects and dependency risks associated with current opioid-based therapies like fentanyl.
“This trial represents a major step in our journey toward realising that vision.”
Hemp Pet
Hemp Pet has won the Equitana Melbourne 2024 business award in the vet/feed innovation category for its Performance Cookies for horses.
Using Tasmanian-grown hemp, Performance Cookies provide a high-protein, low-sugar, natural solution to support muscle recovery, senior horse care, and training routines.
The award was presented during Equitana 2024, the largest equestrian showcase in the southern hemisphere.
CEO Arthur Wajs said: “Our vision has always been to create products that combine innovation, science, and care, and this award validates our mission.
“Winning this award is not only a milestone for Hemp Pet but also for the Australian hemp industry, showcasing [its] potential as a sustainable and functional ingredient for equine health.”
President of the NSW Industrial Hemp Association James Vosper added: “Hemp products are experiencing significant global growth and gaining recognition for their versatility – offering exceptional nutritional benefits in animal feeds while supporting environmental health through carbon sequestration.”
President of the Australian Industrial Hemp Alliance (AIHA) Charles Kovess described Hemp Pet’s success as “a wonderful reward for years of passionate commitment to healthier animals through healthier nutrition”.
“AIHA is excited by the impact this award can make on raising awareness of the value of hemp foods for animals and people,” he added.
Neurotech International
Neurotech has announced the results of genomic analysis of patients with Paediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections (PANDAS) and Paediatric Acute-Onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome (PANS) who participated in a Phase I/II clinical trial of its NTI164 cannabinoid drug candidate.
NTI164 was shown to modulate the immune system, protein translation, and epigenetic factors at both a gene expression (genomic) level and protein (proteomic) level in PANDAS/PANS children.
Neurotech said the data reinforces the safety and efficacy of NTI164 under the inflammatory conditions experienced by PANDAS/PANS children (with no activation of potentially damaging cellular pathways).
It expects the results of the genomic analysis to be compiled and submitted to a leading scientific journal in due course.
Cann Group
Cann Group has announced that, following the commissioning of its new multi-head filler in August, it has completed around 25,000 units packed.
Of those, 17,500 (70%) have been for external customers with the remaining 30% being for Cann’s own Botanitech range.
Cann told the ASX the commissioning of the automated multi-head filler gives it “a unique opportunity in the market to provide competitively priced filling and labelling of medicinal cannabis products with quick turnaround times”.
It said the move was among the “numerous efficiency activities” the company has undertaken over the past eight months to reduce operational costs.
CEO and managing director, Jenni Pilcher, added: “The implementation of the multi-head filler is another key milestone in our plans to accelerate revenue growth and reduce overheads. Also, we can better support our customers by reducing our turn-around times.”
Contract GMP services from its Mildura facility delivered revenue of A$1.2 million for Cann Group in FY24.
