Development and evaluation of vaginal microemulsions with medicinal Cannabis

• Grant number: 25/04360-9
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master
• Start date: September 01, 2025
• End date: August 31, 2027
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Pharmacy - Pharmaceutical Technology
• Principal Investigator: Priscila Gava Mazzola
• Grantee: Carla Leandra Silva Godoi
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas (FCF). Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP). Campinas , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Endometriosis, a chronic disease affecting approximately 190 million women and girls of reproductive age worldwide, is associated with intense pain that significantly impacts the quality of life of affected patients and may also lead to conditions such as infertility, anxiety, and depression. With no definitive cure for endometriosis, available treatments focus on symptom control, often proving insufficient and having a high recurrence rate. After a long period of prohibition due to political reasons in the second half of the 20th century, Cannabis has been regaining space for medicinal purposes in an increasing number of countries. Interest in the therapeutic benefits of medicinal cannabis has grown rapidly over the past 20 years, as it has shown potential in chronic pain relief. Moreover, its use in various conditions, including chronic pain, is supported by the fact that the endocannabinoid system plays a critical role in multiple physiological processes, including important actions in the female reproductive system. Studies have already demonstrated the expression of endocannabinoid receptors in endometriotic lesions, suggesting that they may respond to the analgesic effects of cannabinoids, which has also been observed in cross-sectional research with women reporting pelvic pain reduction with Cannabis use. This project proposes the development of vaginal formulations containing Cannabis extracts. Established pharmaceutical forms, such as vaginal suppositories, and innovative ones, such as microemulsified vaginal foams, will be developed for vaginal cannabinoid delivery, aiming at a novel approach for the treatment of endometriosis and symptom relief. (AU)