DEVELOPMENT OF NASAL SPRAY WITH MUCOADHESIVE POLYMER AND MEDICINAL CANNABIS COMPLEXED WITH CYCLODEXTRIN

• Grant number: 24/07573-0
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master
• Start date: July 01, 2025
• End date: July 31, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Pharmacy - Pharmaceutical Technology
• Principal Investigator: Priscila Gava Mazzola
• Grantee: Thairiny Raiany Borges Toti
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas (FCF). Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP). Campinas , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Cannabis spp. it is a species with ancient medicinal applications. After a long period of prohibition, the resumption of therapeutic use and scientific interest has been growing rapidly in the last 20 years. Among its various applications, it has clinical relevance for neurological disorders, such as epilepsy. Approximately one third of individuals on standard treatment are pharmacoresistant; in addition, antiepileptics and anticonvulsants have limited cerebral bioavailability if administered orally, rectally or intravenously. The nasal/intranasal route proves to be a promising strategy by preventing hepatic metabolism and increasing brain bioavailability, overcoming the BBB, with rapid onset of action and better adherence to treatment. Considering the capacity for intranasal administration, the objective of this project will be to develop a nasal spray solution containing a water-soluble CBD-rich extract prepared by complexation with ²-cyclodextrin (²-CD) in a stoichiometric ratio of 1:1, and form polymeric micelles. using poloxamer 407. Poloxamer 407 and ²-CD solutions will be prepared and subsequently mixed with the CBD oily extract. The freeze-drying method will produce water-soluble CBD-²-CDPM, resulting in dry powder that will be dissolved for the gradual addition of ingredients to obtain the nasal spray solution (CBD-²-CDPM-NS).