In a cell-based assay, Pascal has identified a cannabinoid that blocks SARS-CoV-2 with a potency similar to remdesivir.
The coronavirus pandemic has triggered a massive, worldwide effort to develop effective vaccines and treatments. With a previous focus on cancer, Pascal’s scientists directed their efforts to discovering a cannabinoid-based treatment for COVID-19.
Pascal made the decision to test cannabinoids for coronavirus because there was limited, suggestive scientific data. Pascal scientists have previously shown cannabinoids can upregulate the Major Histocompatibility Complex on tumor cells—this same MHC upregulation helps the immune system identify virus-infected cells. In addition, cannabis extracts downregulate the expression of receptors for SARS-CoV-2. Furthermore, some cannabinoids have immunomodulatory activity that can mitigate the uncontrolled inflammatory response known as the “cytokine storm”, which is a feature of the most severe COVID-19 patients.
Since cannabinoids have the potential to limit the severity and progression of COVID-19, Pascal tested compounds in a cell-based assay. We found that one of our lead cannabinoids inhibits SARS-CoV-2 growth on primate cells. Significantly, the potency of the cannabinoid in this assay was similar to that of remdesivir, the only drug authorized by the FDA for emergency use in COVID-19 treatment. These initial observations have illuminated the path toward rapid validation of cannabinoids in additional cell-based assays, in animal models of the disease and, ultimately, in human clinical trials.
Our initial results suggest that cannabinoids may act upon the virus or the cell to reduce infectivity or viral replication. However, it is likely that the scope of the benefit to the patient will extend far beyond the direct effect on the virus-cell interaction. Pascal has demonstrated the capacity of cannabinoids to restore cancer cells’ visibility to the immune system. Many viruses, like certain cancers, render their host cells invisible to protect them from immune destruction. Cannabinoids may reverse this effect. In addition, cannabinoids are known for their anti-inflammatory properties. Thus, they may benefit the patient, much like dexamethasone does, in the later phase of disease when run-away inflammation is the main cause of tissue injury and even death.
About COVID-19
In late 2019, an unusual cluster of severe acute respiratory disease cases was noted in China. The causative agent, a novel coronavirus 
designated SARS-CoV-2, was quickly identified and the associated disease called COVID-19. The initial outbreak has since exploded into a global pandemic, with tens of millions of cases and hundreds of thousands of deaths reported worldwide. As of July 2020, the pandemic continues to expand globally and remains uncontrolled in most countries. The most severe cases of COVID-19 are characterized by intense and dysregulated inflammation, pneumonia, lung damage, and severe respiratory distress, requiring supplemental oxygen and eventually artificial ventilation. The prognosis is poor, with a reported mortality rate of 20% or higher, for the elderly or patients with chronic health conditions such as obesity, diabetes, certain kidney or lung diseases, or a compromised immune system. Surviving patients may not recover fully and have lasting impairments to daily life as a result of their severe inflammatory response.
Pascal Biosciences Announces Feature Article...
https://www.accesswire.com/597802/Pascal-Biosciences-Announces-Feature-Article
https://ceo.ca/pas
https://ceo.ca/@accesswire/pascal-biosciences-announces-feature-article
SEATTLE, WA and VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / July 17, 2020 / Pascal Biosciences Inc. (TSXV:PAS)(OTC PINK:BIMUF) ("Pascal" or the "Company") is pleased to announce it has been featured in an article published by Kathy Woudzia regarding the Company's patent-pending discovery of cannabinoid treatment for Covid-19. On July 14, 2020, Pascal published a press release announcing the discovery. Ms Woudzia's article can be viewed at: https://kathywoudzia.com/f/pascal-biosciences-discover-a-cannabinoid-that-combats-covid-19
Kathy Woudzia is a freelance reporter who has published works in the fields of health, mental health and lifestyle/fitness. Her latest publication about Fitness and Lymphedema appeared In the Wither 2018 edition of Pathways Magazine. Ms. Woudzia is a contributor to a dual-award winning 2019 CBC documentary titled "Jessica's Secret". Ms. Woudzia has studied and worked professionally in the fields of kinesiology, health sciences, library sciences, business and information technology.
"We are extremely proud to be featured in Ms. Woudzia's most recent article. We believe she has done a great job at putting our recent discovery in context and we recommend that people take the time to read the article in its entirety", said Dr. Patrick Gray, the CEO of Pascal Biosciences.
About Pascal Biosciences Inc.
Pascal is a biotechnology company targeting innovative therapies for serious diseases, including COVID-19. Pascal is also developing treatments for cancer with targeted therapies for acute lymphoblastic leukemia and cannabinoid-based therapeutics. Pascal's leading portfolio also comprises a small molecule therapeutic, PAS-403, that is advancing into clinical trials for the treatment of glioblastoma, and PAS-393, an immuno-stimulatory cannabinoid to be used in combination with checkpoint inhibitor therapy. For more information, visit www.pascalbiosciences.com.
ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Dr. Patrick W. Gray, CEO
Investors:
invest@pascalbiosciences.com
Media Contact:
Julie Rathbun
info@pascalbiosciences.com
Tel: 206-769-9219