Deployment of new biosynthetic methods are enabling robust, reliable, and economical cannabinoid production at scale, for applications ranging from consumer to pharmaceutical markets.
Established Potential
The human endocannabinoid system (ECS) comprises endogenous receptors and enzymes that are involved in the regulation of numerous physiological processes.1 Cannabinoids act as exogenous ligands that interact with the ECS via these same receptors and enzymes, leading to a number of different physiological effects. The modulation of the ECS provides an opportunity to develop cannabinoid and cannabinoid analog products that have the potential to treat various disease conditions, including but not limited to CNS disorders (e.g., epilepsy, anxiety and depression), as well as nausea, appetite control, diabetes and inflammation.
Benefits of Biosynthetic Cannabinoids
Producing highly pure minor cannabinoids in large quantities via extraction from plants is not economically efficient. There are over 100 known different minor cannabinoids produced in the plant. Most are expressed at very low and at varying levels. The use of biocatalytic methods for the synthesis of cannabinoids provides a cost-efficient and reproducible means to produce these minor cannabinoids.
With cannabinoid biosynthesis, the controlled, selective production of highly pure, specific cannabinoid and cannabinoid-like compounds is possible. This enables the production of large-scale amounts of cannabinoids under cGMP for various applications, including pharmaceuticals.
The production of cannabinoids using biosynthetic and biocatalytic processes — including the minor cannabinoids and analogs — provides a set of tools to better understand how the ECS is involved in the regulation of a number of biological functions, including disease processes. This knowledge base, along with the platform to produce cannabinoid analogs and libraries, will accelerate the development of new therapeutics to address unmet medical needs.
The Teewinot Process
Teewinot’s proprietary CannSynthesis® biocatalytic platform enables the production of natural and non-natural cannabinoids in commercially scalable quantities today. Teewinot has engineered various Cannabis enzymes for overexpression and improved enzymatic properties, which can be combined with a variety of substrates and conditions to produce a wide variety of cannabinoids, including proprietary cannabinoid analogs.
Using this CannSynthesis® approach, Teewinot has achieved > 150 grams per liter scale production at 10–15 grams per liter per hour, yielding cannabinoids that are >99% pure. The reaction conditions are such that, in a single 10,000-liter reactor, this process can produce more than a metric ton per day of certain cannabinoids.
Growing Portfolio
Today, Teewinot produces over 25 different minor cannabinoids. In addition to biocatalytic production of these minor cannabinoids, Teewinot has also produced a large and proprietary set of cannabinoid analogs, ranging from prodrugs to cannabinoid libraries, as new chemical entities for pharmaceutical development.
Pharmaceutical Pipeline
Regarding drug development, Teewinot is leveraging its platform in combination with internal expertise and partners to develop a proprietary pharmaceutical pipeline. Currently, Teewinot has two programs that are actively moving through IND-enabling studies. This includes improved formulation and delivery systems, as cannabinoids are known to be highly hydrophobic and have issues with metabolism, duration and drug–drug interactions. As part of its drug development programs, Teewinot is working with external companies to develop new formulations and delivery approaches, including novel device combination applications.
Partnering for Commercialization
Teewinot is taking advantage of its early mover advantage in the production of minor cannabinoids and is working with partners and looking to establish new partnerships from bench to manufacturing, given the robust and scalable capabilities of its CannSynthesis® platform today. These partnerships include strategic development and supply agreements that range from consumer product to pharmaceutical applications. Teewinot is working with companies with expertise in these markets to rapidly move toward marketed products. The company acknowledges that the regulatory environment is rapidly evolving and is diligent in all activities to ensure compliance with international regulatory guidelines.
Teewinot currently has 18 issued or allowed patents and more than 40 provisional patents. The company’s patent strategy is focused on three major areas: (1) composition of matter, (2) manufacturing methods and processes and (3) methods of use.
With a new management team in place to accelerate the platform and market opportunities, Teewinot is initiating a $50 million Series C funding round with the intent to conduct an initial public offering in 2020.
References
- Challener, Cynthia. "Accessing Cannabinoids Using Biocatalysis. "Pharmaceutical Technology. 41:20-22(2017).