Dexanabinol (HU-211 or ETS2101[1]) is a synthetic cannabinoid derivative in development by e-Therapeutics plc. It is the "unnatural" enantiomer of the potent cannabinoid agonist HU-210.[2] Unlike other cannabinoid derivatives, HU-211 does not act as a cannabinoid receptor agonist, but instead as an NMDA antagonist.[3] It therefore does not produce cannabis-like effects, but is anticonvulsant and neuroprotective, and is widely used in scientific research as well as currently being studied for applications such as treating head injury, stroke, or cancer.[4][5][6] It was shown to be safe in clinical trials[7] and is currently undergoing Phase I trials for the treatment of brain cancer[8] and advanced solid tumors.[9]
Clinical trials
Dexanabinol has been studied in IV administration and oral dosing.[10] e-Therapeutics is evaluating the compound in clinical trials for brain and solid cancers.[11] Phase II studies are planned based on the results of the current trials.
A phase 1b study for hepatocellular carcinoma and pancreatic cancer was started in 2015.[12]
^Biegon A, Joseph AB (August 1995). "Development of HU-211 as a neuroprotectant for ischemic brain damage". Neurological Research. 17 (4): 275–80. doi:10.1080/01616412.1995.11740326. PMID7477742.
^Darlington CL (October 2003). "Dexanabinol: a novel cannabinoid with neuroprotective properties". IDrugs. 6 (10): 976–9. PMID14534855.
^Maas AI, Murray G, Henney H, Kassem N, Legrand V, Mangelus M, et al. (January 2006). "Efficacy and safety of dexanabinol in severe traumatic brain injury: results of a phase III randomised, placebo-controlled, clinical trial". The Lancet. Neurology. 5 (1): 38–45. doi:10.1016/S1474-4422(05)70253-2. PMID16361021. S2CID28268833.