Australian Public Assessment Report for Nabiximols

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

Australian Public Assessment Report for Nabiximols Australian Public Assessment Report for Nabiximols Proprietary Product Name: Sativex Sponsor: Novartis Pharmaceuticals Australia Pty Limited September 2013 Therapeutic Goods Administration About the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) · The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) is part of the Australian Government Department of Health and is responsible for regulating medicines and medical devices. · TGA administers the Therapeutic Goods Act 1989 (the Act), applying a risk management approach designed to ensure therapeutic goods supplied in Australia meet acceptable standards of quality, safety and efficacy (performance), when necessary. · The work of the TGA is based on applying scientific and clinical expertise to decision- making, to ensure that the benefits to consumers outweigh any risks associated with the use of medicines and medical devices. · The TGA relies on the public, healthcare professionals and industry to report problems with medicines or medical devices. TGA investigates reports received by it to determine any necessary regulatory action. · To report a problem with a medicine or medical device, please see the information on the TGA website <http://www.tga.gov.au>. About AusPARs · An Australian Public Assessment Record (AusPAR) provides information about the evaluation of a prescription medicine and the considerations that led the TGA to approve or not approve a prescription medicine submission. · AusPARs are prepared and published by the TGA. · An AusPAR is prepared for submissions that relate to new chemical entities, generic medicines, major variations, and extensions of indications. · An AusPAR is a static document, in that it will provide information that relates to a submission at a particular point in time. · A new AusPAR will be developed to reflect changes to indications and/or major variations to a prescription medicine subject to evaluation by the TGA. Copyright © Commonwealth of Australia 2013 This work is copyright. You may reproduce the whole or part of this work in unaltered form for your own personal use or, if you are part of an organisation, for internal use within your organisation, but only if you or your organisation do not use the reproduction for any commercial purpose and retain this copyright notice and all disclaimer notices as part of that reproduction. Apart from rights to use as permitted by the Copyright Act 1968 or allowed by this copyright notice, all other rights are reserved and you are not allowed to reproduce the whole or any part of this work in any way (electronic or otherwise) without first being given specific written permission from the Commonwealth to do so. Requests and inquiries concerning reproduction and rights are to be sent to the TGA Copyright Officer, Therapeutic Goods Administration, PO Box 100, Woden ACT 2606 or emailed to <[email protected]>. AusPAR Nabiximols Sativex Novartis Pharmaceuticals Australia Pty Limited PM-2011-00150-3-1 Page 2 of 204 Final 27 September 2013 Therapeutic Goods Administration Contents I. Introduction to product submission ____________________________________ 5 Submission details ____________________________________________________________________ 5 Document outline _____________________________________________________________________ 5 Product background __________________________________________________________________ 6 Regulatory status _____________________________________________________________________ 7 Product Information_________________________________________________________________ 10 List of abbreviations _________________________________________________________________ 10 II. Quality findings _________________________________________________________ 12 Drug substance (active ingredient) ________________________________________________ 12 Drug product _________________________________________________________________________ 13 Biopharmaceutics ___________________________________________________________________ 13 Recommendations ___________________________________________________________________ 15 III. Nonclinical findings ___________________________________________________ 16 Introduction __________________________________________________________________________ 16 Pharmacology ________________________________________________________________________ 16 Pharmacokinetics ____________________________________________________________________ 18 Toxicology ____________________________________________________________________________ 20 Nonclinical summary and conclusions _____________________________________________ 25 IV. Clinical findings ________________________________________________________ 27 Introduction __________________________________________________________________________ 27 Pharmacokinetics ____________________________________________________________________ 31 Pharmacodynamics__________________________________________________________________ 45 Dose selection for the pivotal studies ______________________________________________ 50 Efficacy _______________________________________________________________________________ 50 Safety _______________________________________________________________________________ 109 First round risk-benefit assessment _____________________________________________ 143 List of questions ___________________________________________________________________ 156 Second round evaluation in response to questions _____________________________ 156 Second round risk-benefit assessment __________________________________________ 162 V. Pharmacovigilance findings __________________________________________ 162 Risk management plan ____________________________________________________________ 162 VI. Overall conclusion and risk-benefit assessment _________________ 170 Quality ______________________________________________________________________________ 170 Nonclinical _________________________________________________________________________ 171 Clinical ______________________________________________________________________________ 171 AusPAR Sativex Nabiximols Novartis Pharmaceuticals Australia Pty Limited PM-2011-00150-3-1 Page 3 of 204 Final 27 September 2013 Therapeutic Goods Administration Risk management plan ____________________________________________________________ 177 Risk-benefit analysis ______________________________________________________________ 178 Response from sponsor ___________________________________________________________ 181 Advisory committee considerations _____________________________________________ 187 Outcome (initial decision) ________________________________________________________ 187 Final outcome (Section 60 decision) _____________________________________________ 189 Attachment 1. Product Information ____________________________________ 203 AusPAR Sativex Nabiximols Novartis Pharmaceuticals Australia Pty Limited PM-2011-00150-3-1 Page 4 of 204 Final 27 September 2013 Therapeutic Goods Administration I. Introduction to product submission Submission details Type of submission: New Chemical Entity Decision: Approved Date of decision: 26 November 2012 Active ingredient: Nabiximols Product name: Sativex Sponsor’s name and address: Novartis Pharmaceuticals Australia Pty Limited 54 Waterloo Road North Ryde NSW 2113 Dose form: Oromucosal spray Strength: Nabiximols 80 mg/mL corresponding to 27 mg/mL delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and 25 mg/mL cannabidiol (CBD) Container: Type I amber glass vial with external plastic coating, fitted with a crimped on pump actuator Pack size: 10 mL Approved therapeutic use: Treatment for symptom improvement in patients with moderate to severe spasticity due to multiple sclerosis (MS) who have not responded adequately to other anti spasticity medication and who demonstrate clinically significant improvement in spasticity related symptoms during an initial trial of therapy. Route of administration: Oromucosal Dosage: Patients should titrate the dose as needed between 1-12 sprays daily (2.7-32.4 mg THC and 2.5-30 mg CBD) in 2 or more divided doses. It is expected to usually be delivered sublingually. A titration schedule (to a maximum of 12 sprays daily) over 2 weeks is proposed. ARTG number: 181978 Document outline This AusPAR follows the sequence of events for the review of the nabiximols (Sativex) submission as follows: · Evaluator reports; · Delegate’s initial considerations (including Conclusion and recommendation); AusPAR Sativex Nabiximols Novartis Pharmaceuticals Australia Pty Limited PM-2011-00150-3-1 Page 5 of 204 Final 27 September 2013 Therapeutic Goods Administration · Pre ACPM (Advisory Committee on Prescription Medicines) response from the sponsor, Novartis Pharmaceuticals Australia Pty Limited; · ACPM Considerations; · ACPM Outcome and Reasons for decision; and · Opinion of the Delegate of the Minister following a sponsor appeal under Section 60 of the Therapeutics Goods Act 1989. Product background This AusPAR describes an application by the sponsor to register nabiximols (Sativex), a mixture of cannabinoid botanical extracts containing 27mg/ml delta-9 tetrahydrocannibinol (THC) and 25 mg/ml cannabidiol (CBD), as a new chemical entity. The proposed indication is for symptom improvement in patients with moderate to severe spasticity due to multiple sclerosis (MS) who have not responded adequately to other anti spasticity medication and who demonstrate clinically significant improvement in spasticity related symptoms during an initial trial of therapy. Sativex represents a novel therapeutic class: botanical
Recommended publications
  • The Role of Organic Small Molecules in Pain Management
    molecules Review The Role of Organic Small Molecules in Pain Management Sebastián A. Cuesta and Lorena Meneses * Laboratorio de Química Computacional, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Escuela de Ciencias Químicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador, Av. 12 de Octubre 1076 Apartado, Quito 17-01-2184, Ecuador; [email protected] * Correspondence: [email protected]; Tel.: +593-2-2991700 (ext. 1854) Abstract: In this review, a timeline starting at the willow bark and ending in the latest discoveries of analgesic and anti-inflammatory drugs will be discussed. Furthermore, the chemical features of the different small organic molecules that have been used in pain management will be studied. Then, the mechanism of different types of pain will be assessed, including neuropathic pain, inflammatory pain, and the relationship found between oxidative stress and pain. This will include obtaining insights into the cyclooxygenase action mechanism of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) such as ibuprofen and etoricoxib and the structural difference between the two cyclooxygenase isoforms leading to a selective inhibition, the action mechanism of pregabalin and its use in chronic neuropathic pain, new theories and studies on the analgesic action mechanism of paracetamol and how changes in its structure can lead to better characteristics of this drug, and cannabinoid action mechanism in managing pain through a cannabinoid receptor mechanism. Finally, an overview of the different approaches science is taking to develop more efficient molecules for pain treatment will be presented. Keywords: anti-inflammatory drugs; QSAR; pain management; cyclooxygenase; multitarget drug; Citation: Cuesta, S.A.; Meneses, L. cannabinoid; neuropathic pain The Role of Organic Small Molecules in Pain Management.
    [Show full text]
  • Cannabis Terminology 101
    Super Animal Care Solutions TECHNICAL BULLETIN Cannabis Terminology 101 Cannabis or Hemp? nabinol). Contrary to what many pot smok- Cannabidiol-CBD Cannabis refers to a broad category of ers may tell you, marijuana is addictive. A naturally occurring constituent/cannabi- plants, including both hemp and marijuana. Even among occasional users, one in 12 can noid of the hemp plant. It is the most abun- Hemp is a specific type of cannabis plant feel withdrawal symptoms if they can’t get dant, non-psychoactive cannabinoid in that contains less than 0.3% THC. high when they want to. Many experts also hemp/cannabis, and reacts primarily with believe marijuana is physically addictive. CB-2 receptors that are generally concen- Cannabis trated in peripheral organs and cells asso- The name given to the plant itself. A total of Medical Cannabis/Medical Marijuana ciated with the immune system. 480 natural components have been found Cannabis used as a physician-recom- within the cannabis plant. There are three mended form of medicine or herbal thera- The Vediol blend delivers a highly purified major types of cannabis (plus multiple hy- py typically higher in THC content – (higher cannabinoid consortium, devoid of THC, brids), distinguished by very different char- than 0.3%) than other species of cannabis. designed for maximum effectiveness. While acteristics and traits they display: no causal link has been established, abun- Tetrahydrocannabinol-THC dant research would suggest non-human • Cannabis sativa delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol. This is a con- patients may benefit from receiving hemp • Cannabis indica trolled substance. The only thus far identi- derived CBD in support of their endocan- • Cannabis ruderalis fied psychoactive component of cannabis nabinoid system.
    [Show full text]
  • Pharmacy and Poisons (Third and Fourth Schedule Amendment) Order 2017
    Q UO N T FA R U T A F E BERMUDA PHARMACY AND POISONS (THIRD AND FOURTH SCHEDULE AMENDMENT) ORDER 2017 BR 111 / 2017 The Minister responsible for health, in exercise of the power conferred by section 48A(1) of the Pharmacy and Poisons Act 1979, makes the following Order: Citation 1 This Order may be cited as the Pharmacy and Poisons (Third and Fourth Schedule Amendment) Order 2017. Repeals and replaces the Third and Fourth Schedule of the Pharmacy and Poisons Act 1979 2 The Third and Fourth Schedules to the Pharmacy and Poisons Act 1979 are repealed and replaced with— “THIRD SCHEDULE (Sections 25(6); 27(1))) DRUGS OBTAINABLE ONLY ON PRESCRIPTION EXCEPT WHERE SPECIFIED IN THE FOURTH SCHEDULE (PART I AND PART II) Note: The following annotations used in this Schedule have the following meanings: md (maximum dose) i.e. the maximum quantity of the substance contained in the amount of a medicinal product which is recommended to be taken or administered at any one time. 1 PHARMACY AND POISONS (THIRD AND FOURTH SCHEDULE AMENDMENT) ORDER 2017 mdd (maximum daily dose) i.e. the maximum quantity of the substance that is contained in the amount of a medicinal product which is recommended to be taken or administered in any period of 24 hours. mg milligram ms (maximum strength) i.e. either or, if so specified, both of the following: (a) the maximum quantity of the substance by weight or volume that is contained in the dosage unit of a medicinal product; or (b) the maximum percentage of the substance contained in a medicinal product calculated in terms of w/w, w/v, v/w, or v/v, as appropriate.
    [Show full text]
  • About the Endocannabinoid System (ECS)
    Mana Artisan Botanics Frequently Asked Questions | 1 Frequently Asked Questions About the Endocannabinoid system (ECS) What is the Endocannabinoid What are Endocannabinoids? System, or ECS? Endocannabinoids are endogenous neurotransmitters that Discovered in the late 1980s, the Endocannabinoid System, or are produced by our bodies. They regulate neurotransmission ECS is a biological system found in all mammals, composed and allow for feedback loops. Anandamide and 2-Arachido- of endocannabinoids and cannabinoid receptors. ECS affects noylglycerol (2-AG) are the two primary endocannabinoids. virtually every cell, muscle, organ and tissue in our body, and critical to regulating a wide range of body processes, our What are Phytocannabinoids and nervous system, immune system, digestive system, endocrine how are they different than glands, brain, heart, lungs, kidneys, liver, spleen, bones, mus- Endocannabinoids? cles, blood vessels and cells, lymph cells, and fat cells. Phytocannabinoids are plant derivative compounds (primarily The ECS is believed to have more cellular receptor sites than extracted from cannabis) that mimic the characteristics of the any other receptor system. The widespread distribution of endocannabinoids. THC and Cannabidiol (CBD) are the two these cannabinoid receptors shows just how important the primary phytocannabinoids that mimic the endocannabinoids ECS is to our overall bodily function and health. Anandamide and 2-AG, respectively. Both endocannabinoid and phytocannabinoids, collectively referred to as cannabinoids,
    [Show full text]
  • Urine Drug Screening (UDS)
    Centre for Effective Practice Urine Drug Screening (UDS) Table 1: Why, who, and when? Why do UDS?1,2,3 Which patients should receive UDS? When should UDS be ordered?1 • Improve safety, encourage • Should be used routinely • At baseline (when receiving a new communication, and promote regardless of how well the patient or opioids or starting an opioid transparency of drug use patient is known to the trial) • Establish reliability of patient’s prescriber • At follow-up after initiation reported medication history • A universal approach will • Then annually or more frequently if high • Monitor adherence and detect help destigmatize testing risk or aberrant drug-related behaviours potential diversion • “I do this routinely for all of • Consider testing randomly to minimize my patients on opioids” potential for tampering Table 2: Immunoassay vs. broad spectrum (mass spec/chromatography)2,3 Immunoassay (IA) Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (GCMS) Liquid Chromatography/Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC- MS/MS) Use Screening test Reserved for confirmatory testing (due to expense and Presumptive only; confirmatory testing needed for time required) significant decisions (e.g. legal/employment/forensic) Interpretation Does not differentiate between various opioids Differentiates: codeine, morphine, oxycodone, May not detect: hydromorphone, heroin • Semi-synthetic opioids (e.g. buprenorphine, More sensitive for semi-synthetic and synthetic opioids hydrocodone, hydromorphone, oxycodone, Sensitivity will depend on individual laboratory cut-off levorphanol)
    [Show full text]
  • D30c5a005c7b549217479d4cbb
    RESEARCH ARTICLE Nabiximols combined with motivational enhancement/cognitive behavioral therapy for the treatment of cannabis dependence: A pilot randomized clinical trial Jose M. Trigo1, Alexandra Soliman1, Lena C. Quilty2,3, Benedikt Fischer3,4,5,6, JuÈrgen Rehm3,4,5,7,8, Peter Selby3,9,10, Allan J. Barnes11¤a, Marilyn A. Huestis11¤b, Tony P. George3,9,12, David L. Streiner3,13, Gregory Staios1, Bernard Le Foll1,9* a1111111111 a1111111111 1 Translational Addiction Research Laboratory, Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), Toronto, Canada, 2 Campbell Family Mental Health Research a1111111111 Institute, CAMH, Toronto, Canada, 3 Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada, a1111111111 4 Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Faculty of Medicine, Toronto, Canada, 5 Institute for a1111111111 Mental Health Policy Research, CAMH, Toronto, Canada, 6 Centre for Applied Research in Mental Health & Addiction, Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Vancouver, Canada, 7 Addiction Policy, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada, 8 Institute of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy & Center of Clinical Epidemiology and Longitudinal Studies (CELOS), Technische UniversitaÈt Dresden, Dresden, Germany, 9 Addictions Division, CAMH, Toronto, Canada, 10 Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada, 11 Chemistry and Drug OPEN ACCESS Metabolism, National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Baltimore, United Citation: Trigo JM, Soliman A, Quilty LC, Fischer B, States of America, 12 Division of Brain and Therapeutics, CAMH, Toronto, Canada, 13 Department of Psychiatry & Behavioural Neurosciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada Rehm J, Selby P, et al.
    [Show full text]
  • Nabiximols for the Treatment of Cannabis Dependence a Randomized Clinical Trial
    Research JAMA Internal Medicine | Original Investigation Nabiximols for the Treatment of Cannabis Dependence A Randomized Clinical Trial Nicholas Lintzeris, MBBS, PhD; Anjali Bhardwaj, PhD; Llewellyn Mills, PhD; Adrian Dunlop, MBBS, PhD; Jan Copeland, PhD; Iain McGregor, PhD; Raimondo Bruno, PhD; Jessica Gugusheff, PhD; Nghi Phung, MBBS, PhD; Mark Montebello, PhD; Therese Chan, BPharm; Adrienne Kirby, BSc(Hons); Michelle Hall, GradCertHlthSc; Meryem Jefferies, PhD; Jennifer Luksza, PhD; Marian Shanahan, PhD; Richard Kevin, PhD; David Allsop, PhD; for the Agonist Replacement for Cannabis Dependence (ARCD) study group Supplemental content IMPORTANCE There are no effective medications for treating dependence on cannabis. OBJECTIVE To examine the safety and efficacy of nabiximols in the treatment of patients with cannabis dependence. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS This parallel double-blind randomized clinical trial comparing nabiximols with placebo in a 12-week, multisite outpatient study recruited participants from February 3, 2016, to June 14, 2017, at 4 outpatient specialist alcohol and drug treatment services in New South Wales, Australia. Participants had cannabis dependence (as defined by the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, Tenth Revision) and were seeking treatment, were nonresponsive to prior treatment attempts, were 18 to 64 years of age, had no other substance use disorder, had no severe medical or psychiatric conditions, were not pregnant, were not mandated by a court to undergo treatment, and provided informed consent. Results for primary efficacy measures and all secondary outcomes were obtained using a modified intention-to-treat data set. INTERVENTIONS Participants received 12-week treatment involving weekly clinical reviews, structured counseling, and flexible medication doses—up to 32 sprays daily (tetrahydrocannabinol, 86.4 mg, and cannabidiol, 80 mg), dispensed weekly.
    [Show full text]
  • Application A360 Use of Industrial Hemp As a Novel Food
    FINAL ASSESSMENT REPORT [INQUIRY - S.17] APPLICATION A360 USE OF INDUSTRIAL HEMP AS A NOVEL FOOD 1 TABLE OF CONTENTS EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ................................................................................................... 4 INTRODUCTION.................................................................................................................. 7 Application to ANZFA ............................................................................................................7 Industrial hemp as a novel food ............................................................................................... 7 Novel Food Standard ............................................................................................................... 7 PROBLEM ............................................................................................................................. 8 OBJECTIVE .......................................................................................................................... 8 OPTIONS................................................................................................................................ 9 IMPACT ANALYSIS .......................................................................................................... 10 CONSULTATION...............................................................................................................10 Public consultation................................................................................................................. 10 Consultation
    [Show full text]
  • Neuropathic Pain in Serious Medical Illness
    Interprofessional Webinar Series Drug Therapy for Neuropathic Pain in the Medically Ill Russell K. Portenoy, MD Executive Director, MJHS Institute for Innovation in Palliative Care Chief Medical Officer, MJHS Hospice and Palliative Care Professor of Neurology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine Financial Disclosures Russell K. Portenoy, MD, Planner/Speaker, has indicated a relationship with the following: Pfizer Inc. (grant to department). Any discussion of investigational or unlabeled uses of a product will be identified. No other Planning Committee Member has any disclosures. Neuropathic Pain in Serious Medical Illness • Definition and epidemiology • Mechanisms • Assessment • Treatment Cancer-Related Neuropathic Pain: Definitional Challenges • Changing Definitions . Older: Pain from a lesion or dysfunction of the nervous system . Newer: Pain caused by lesion or disease of the somatosensory nervous system http://www.iasp-pain.org/Content/NavigationMenu/GeneralResourceLinks/PainDefinitions/default.htm Neuropathic Pain: Epidemiology • 1 – 6% overall prevalence in the general population • 19% – 39% of patients with cancer pain • In general, associated with high illness burden and health care utilization Attal N, et al, Pain, 2011;152:2836; Bennett et al, Pain, 2012;153:359; Smith BH, Torrance N, Curr Pain Headache Rep 2012;16:191. Neuropathic Pain: Mechanisms • Multiple mechanisms, which may vary by . Medical diagnosis . Site of neurological lesion . Inferred pathophysiology . Other factors Neuropathic Pain: Variation • Examples of medical
    [Show full text]
  • Icrs2016 Programme
    PAGE | I TH 26 ANNUAL SYMPOSIUM OF THE INTERNATIONAL CANNABINOID RESEARCH SOCIETY BUKOVINA POLAND JUNE 26 – JULY 1, 2016 TH 26 ANNUAL SYMPOSIUM OF THE INTERNATIONAL CANNABINOID RESEARCH SOCIETY BUKOVINA POLAND JUNE 26 – JULY 1, 2016 Symposium Programming by Cortical Systematics LLC Copyright © 2016 International Cannabinoid Research Society Research Triangle Park, NC USA ISBN: 978-0-9892885-3-8 These abstracts may be cited in the scientific literature as follows: Author(s), Abstract Title (2016) 26th Annual Symposium on the Cannabinoids, International Cannabinoid Research Society, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA, Page #. Funding for this conference was made possible in part by grant 5R13DA016280 from the National Institute on Drug Abuse. The views expressed in written conference materials or publications and by speakers and moderators do not necessarily reflect the official policies of the Department of Health and Human Services; nor does mention by trade names, commercial practices, or organizations imply endorsement by the U.S. Government. ICRS Sponsors Government Sponsors National Institute on Drug Abuse Non- Profit Organization Sponsors Kang Tsou Memorial Fund 2016 ICRS Board of Directors Executive Director Cecilia Hillard, Ph.D. President Michelle Glass, Ph.D. President- Elect Matt Hill, Ph.D. Past President Steve Alexander, Ph.D. Secretary Sachin Patel, M.D., Ph.D. Treasurer Steve Kinsey, Ph.D. International Secretary Roger Pertwee, M.a., D.Phil. , D.Sc. Student Representative Natalia Małek, M.Sc. Grant PI Jenny Wiley, Ph.D. Managing Director Jason Schechter, Ph.D. 2016 Symposium on the Cannabinoids Conference Coordinators Steve Alexander, Ph.D. Michelle Glass, Ph.D. Cecilia Hillard, Ph.D.
    [Show full text]
  • Identification of Candidate Genes Affecting D -Tetrahydrocannabinol
    Journal of Experimental Botany, Vol. 60, No. 13, pp. 3715–3726, 2009 doi:10.1093/jxb/erp210 Advance Access publication 6 July, 2009 This paper is available online free of all access charges (see http://jxb.oxfordjournals.org/open_access.html for further details) RESEARCH PAPER Identification of candidate genes affecting D9-tetrahydrocannabinol biosynthesis in Cannabis sativa M. David Marks1,*, Li Tian2,†, Jonathan P. Wenger1, Stephanie N. Omburo1, Wilfredo Soto-Fuentes1,JiHe2, David R. Gang3, George D. Weiblen1 and Richard A. Dixon2 1 Department of Plant Biology, University of Minnesota, 1445 Gortner Ave, St Paul, MN 55108, USA 2 Plant Biology Division, Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation, Ardmore, OK 73401, USA 3 Department of Plant Sciences, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721-0036, USA Received 14 May 2009; Revised 3 June 2009; Accepted 5 June 2009 Downloaded from Abstract RNA isolated from the glands of a D9-tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA)-producing strain of Cannabis sativa was used to generate a cDNA library containing over 100 000 expressed sequence tags (ESTs). Sequencing of over 2000 http://jxb.oxfordjournals.org/ clones from the library resulted in the identification of over 1000 unigenes. Candidate genes for almost every step in the biochemical pathways leading from primary metabolites to THCA were identified. Quantitative PCR analysis suggested that many of the pathway genes are preferentially expressed in the glands. Hexanoyl-CoA, one of the metabolites required for THCA synthesis, could be made via either de novo fatty acids synthesis or via the breakdown of existing lipids. qPCR analysis supported the de novo pathway. Many of the ESTs encode transcription factors and two putative MYB genes were identified that were preferentially expressed in glands.
    [Show full text]
  • (Cannabimimetics) in Serum, Hair, and Urine by Rapid and Sensitive HPLC Tandem Mass Spectrometry Screenings: Overview and Experience from Routine Testing
    DOI 10.1515/labmed-2012-0059 J Lab Med 2013; 37(4): 167–180 Drug Monitoring und Toxikologie/Drug Monitoring and Toxicology Redaktion: W. Steimer August Goebel , Marcus Boehm , Hartmut Kirchherr and W. Nikolaus K ü hn-Velten * Simultaneous identification and quantification of synthetic cannabinoids (cannabimimetics) in serum, hair, and urine by rapid and sensitive HPLC tandem mass spectrometry screenings: overview and experience from routine testing Simultane Identifizierung und Quantifizierung synthetischer Cannabinoide (Cannabimimetika) in Serum, Haar und Urin mittels schneller und sensitiver HPLC-Tandem- Massenspektrometrie-Screenings: Ü bersicht und Erfahrungen aus der Routineanalytik Abstract: Detection and quantification of synthetic can- Keywords: cannabimimetic; cannabinoid receptor nabinoids (synonym: cannabimimetics) used as a substi- agonist; designer drug; drug screening; LC-MS/MS; spice; tute for natural cannabis has been a real toxicological and synthetic cannabinoid; tandem-mass spectrometry. forensic issue since 2008. On the basis of a short overview of the pharmacological principle, chemical classification, Zusammenfassung: Der Nachweis und die Quantifizierung and legal situation in Germany, the development of sev- synthetischer Cannabinoide (Synonym: Cannabimime- eral analytical and screening approaches is presented. tika), die in Form von R ä uchermischungen als Cannabis- The paper further describes and validates a novel method ersatz in Gebrauch sind, ist seit 2008 ein aktuelles Thema for the simultaneous identification and quantification of der toxikologischen und forensischen Analytik. Auf der JWH-018, JWH-019, JWH-073, JWH-081, JWH-122, JWH- Grundlage einer kurzen Ü bersicht ü ber das pharma- 200, JWH-210, JWH-250, WIN48,098, WIN55,212-2, AM-694 kologische Prinzip, die chemische Klassifikation und die and CP47,497 by means of liquid chromatography-tandem gesetzliche Situation in Deutschland wird die Entwick- mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) in human serum and lung verschiedener Screeningmethoden dargestellt.
    [Show full text]