Novel sublingual CBD wafer

iX Biopharma is developing a range of sublingual wafers containing cannabidiol (CBD) by using its patented sublingual delivery technology, WaferiX™.

The wafers are formulated to contain a nano-emulsion of broad-spectrum hemp oil, which comprises:

• 70-90% CBD
• 0.0% THC
• Remainder made up of naturally occurring cannabinoids and terpenes found in hemp

A proprietary and patent-pending technology is used in the extraction & purification process of the hemp oil to preserve terpenes and plant lipids, while eliminating unwanted Delta-9-THC, waxes and chlorophyll.

iX is currently evaluating these CBD sublingual wafers for use in the treatment of certain conditions.

The WaferiX™ advantage for better user experience

CBD suffers from poor oral bioavailability. Sublingual delivery of CBD is fast becoming the most preferred method of consuming CBD which allows a user to maximise the benefits of CBD.

IX's WaferiX™ sublingual delivery technology is a patented formulation produced by a proprietary freeze-drying technique. The porous and amorphous WaferiX™ matrix holding the active CBD is designed to rapidly collapse and release the nanoparticles of CBD within a minute of being in contact with saliva in the sublingual space. CBD is then rapidly transported across the sublingual membrane into the blood vessels for a rapid onset of action. Read more about how WaferiX™ works [here].

The benefits of CBD delivered using the WaferiX™ technology are:

• Disintegration within a minute
• Fast absorption; Rapid onset of action
• Increased bioavailability of CBD
• Predictable absorption

It is a highly differentiated and superior offering compared to existing methods of delivering CBD. Existing delivery methods such as nasal sprays and oral capsules cause CBD to be inconsistently absorbed and is too variable or poorly bioavailable to be truly useful as a therapy.

WaferiX™ is a more elegant and convenient way to administer CBD, giving users a better experience.

What is Cannabidiol (CBD)

CBD is one of the primary compounds found in the cannabis plant. CBD has no intoxicating properties and is therefore said to be non-psychoactive.

Fig. 1 The difference between Hemp, Cannabis and Marijuana

Source: Quantum 9, Inc.

The active ingredients in cannabis directly interact with a complex network of receptors in the human body called the endocannabinoid system (ECS). ECS receptors are the most prevalent neuro-receptors in the brain, and are found throughout the body. Endocannabinoids are molecules made by the body which bind to ECS receptors in order to signal that the ECS to work. Cannabinoids from the cannabis plant are similar to endocannabinoids, and may also bind or interact with ECS receptors. Because endocannabinoids are present throughout numerous functions of the body, researchers suggest that they help facilitate the maintenance of these functions. Research has linked the ECS to the following processes:

• appetite and digestion
• metabolism
• chronic pain
• inflammation
• mood
• learning and memory
• motor control
• sleep
• cardiovascular system function
• muscle formation
• bone remodeling and growth
• liver function
• reproductive system function
• stress
• skin and nerve function

Following surge of demand and public support in recent years, much of United States, Europe and many other countries have begun to legalise cannabis for medical and in some cases recreational use. The growth of the use of CBD has been explosive; it is now added to food, beverages, health supplements and even cosmetics. As a result, the total market for CBD products has been projected to grow to US$20 billion in 2025. (Source: BD analytics and Arcview Market Research)

While therapeutic uses for CBD has spurred much interest in the scientific, physician and education communities, clinical research progress has largely been hampered by strict regulatory requirements on supply and delivery methods.

In the meantime, the public has not been waiting – CBD is already being used by people to treat a wide variety of conditions, for example to relieve stress, improve sleep, relieve muscle or chronic pain, relieve migraines, and as an ingredient to elevate skincare.