For Tuesday, October 19th
BPAC, FWDG, TADF
MCET, CMSI, JCDA, AAVG, XSNX, CBIS
Our Stocks to Watch today include Biopack Environmental Solutions Inc. (OTCBB: BPAC), FutureWorld Energy Inc. (OTC: FWDG), Tactical Air Defense Services Inc. (OTCBB: TADF), MultiCell Technologies Inc. (OTCBB: MCET), Cannabis Medical Solutions Inc. (OTCBB: CMSI), Jacada Ltd. (Nasdaq: JCDA), AvStar Aviation Group Inc. (OTC: AAVG), XsunX Inc. (OTCBB: XSNX) and Cannabis Science Inc. (OTCBB: CBIS).
FEATURED COMPANY
BIOPACK ENVIRONMENTAL SOLUTIONS (OTCBB: BPAC)
"Up 17.86% in morning trading"
Detailed Quote: http://www.otcpicks.com/quotes/BPAC.php
Company Profile: http://otcpicks.com/Biopack-Environmental-Solutions.htm
Biopack manufactures 100% biodegradable consumer packaging products from locally available sugar cane waste called Bagasse. Based in Hong Kong with manufacturing facilities in Jiangmen, China, Biopack has earned the “premium brand” label in the biodegradable packaging market in Europe. Distributed under the “Roots Biopack” trademark, Biopack’s unique line of compostable packaging is sold in 12 European countries, North America, Hong Kong, Taiwan and South Africa.
BPAC News:
October 19 - Biopack Announces Latin America Distributor
Biopack Environmental Solutions Inc. (OTCBB: BPAC), a designer, manufacturer, and supplier of 100% biodegradable and compostable packaging products, is pleased to announce it has entered into an agreement with Solupack Sistemas de Embalagens Ltda (“Solupack”) for distribution in Latin America.
The distribution agreement will include the Latin American countries of Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay and Venezuela.
With their head office in Sao Paulo, Brazil, Solupack is an established distributor of many types of packaging products and machines throughout Latin America. They will use Biopack’s products to launch into the biodegradable and environmentally friendly packaging market.
Brazil is the world’s largest producer of sugarcane, and its related waste by-product called “Bagasse” which is the source of Biopack’s products, but has few manufacturers of packaging products using this ingredient. Brazil uses most of this waste as an energy source by burning it.
Mauro Kernkraut, a founder of Solupack, said, “Solupack is delighted to have Biopack as our new strategic partner. Biopack’s fully compostable packages represent an exceptional opportunity for us to distribute in Latin America their innovative products which are very much in tune with our philosophy to the conservation of our global environment with better packages. This partnership will strengthen and expand our presence in the region and contribute to our long-term growth objectives.” Biopack Latin America’s new website should be launched by Solupack within the next few weeks.
Gerald Lau, CEO of Biopack says, “We are extremely happy to have Solupack as our new distributor for Latin America. They have very established operations there, and are making a strong commitment to expanding their market with the sale of our products.” He continues, “Given the fact Brazil is the world’s largest producer of sugarcane and Bagasse, it is surprising that their market for Bagasse packaging is relatively underdeveloped. We believe this shows the exceptional quality of Biopacks products around the world. Latin American countries are also a huge source of all the fresh fruits and vegetables exported all year long on a global basis. The packaging needs for these producers are immense, and we look forward to penetrating this market.”
FEATURED COMPANY
FUTUREWORLD ENERGY INCORPORATED (OTC: FWDG)
Detailed Quote: http://www.otcpicks.com/quotes/FWDG.php
Company Profile: http://www.otcpicks.com/FutureWorld-Energy.htm
FutureWorld Energy, Inc., a Delaware corporation, is a U.S. Diversified Energy Holding Company, listed on the Over the Counter exchange, which was formed to capitalize on the burgeoning markets in renewable and alternative energy technologies globally. FutureWorld Energy, together with its subsidiaries, focuses on the identification, acquisition, development, and commercialization of renewable and alternative energy technologies globally. Through established relationships with universities, research centers and government agencies, we strive to identify technologies on the leading edge of innovation that would contribute immensely to the global energy needs while protecting the future for our children and theirs.
FWDG News:
October 12 - FutureWorld Energy Launches New Branding and Marketing Campaign
Futureworld Energy, Inc. (OTC: FWDG), a global provider of alternative, renewable and clean energy technologies, announced the company has retained the services of Tampa, Florida-based Vivid Infusion to rebrand the FutureWorld Energy image through integrated marketing campaigns and contemporary digital communications solutions.
"FutureWorld Energy is pleased to retain Vivid Infusion to rebrand our organization as we focus on growing the business and becoming the leading alternative energy solutions provider," states Michael Shoaff, COO, FutureWorld Energy, Inc. "We are extremely excited about the future growth opportunities for FutureWorld Energy and will use our rebranding campaigns to educate the public about alternative technology that makes both environmental and economic sense."
Key elements of the FutureWorld rebranding campaigns include a contemporary, informational and interactive website, vibrant new logo and color scheme.
"Vivid Infusion is honored to be chosen for the global rebranding of FutureWorld," said Thomas Nagy, President of Vivid Infusion. "FutureWorld has the right product mix that will set itself apart from the rest. On behalf of our management team, we look forward to proudly developing the FutureWorld brand identity to ultimately be recognized as the leader in secure global utility communications."
FEATURED COMPANY
TACTICAL AIR DEFENSE SERVICES INCORPORATED (OTCBB: TADF)
Detailed Quote: http://www.otcpicks.com/quotes/TADF.php
Company Profile: http://otcpicks.com/Tactical-Air-Defense.htm
Tac-Air is a privately-held Aerospace/Defense Services contractor founded by a group of former Navy, Marine, and Air Force Weapon's School Instructors, which has won and successfully executed multiple Aerospace/Defense contracts by divisions of the U.S. Department of Defense.
TADF News:
October 13 - Tactical Air Defense Services Receives Financing Commitment for Aircraft Asset Purchase
Tactical Air Defense Services, Inc. (OTCBB: TADF), an Aerospace/Defense Services contractor that offers tactical aviation services, aerial refueling, aircraft maintenance, disaster relief services, and other Aerospace/Defense services to the United States and Foreign militaries and agencies, is pleased to announce that it has received a $5,000,000 financing commitment from Crown Pacific Advisors, LLC to fund the purchase of military aircraft and related assets.
Pursuant to an asset purchase agreement, Tactical Air Defense Services, Inc. ("TADF") intends to use the $5,000,000 to purchase certain military fighter jets, related parts, and jet engines to capture new tactical aviation service contracts and maintenance service contracts, with both the U.S. Department of Defense and foreign militaries.
TADF management believes that when fully operational and under contract, the aircraft may add between $9,000,000 and $13,500,000 in the aggregate per year to its top-line revenue.
In addition, TADF anticipates that the aircraft, related parts, and jet engines may add approximately $24 million of assets to its balance sheet, as well as provide additional cash-flows to the Company from sales of surplus spare parts and jet engines.
TADF management believes that it may begin to generate cash-flows from contract revenues and asset sales no later than the first quarter of 2011, although it is possible that some of the aircraft will be operational and generating revenue under contract before year-end 2010.
The military aircraft that TADF intends to purchase are cost effective, low-maintenance, and extremely versatile fighter jets that can be used to provide a tactical support role as an air to ground close air support training platform or dissimilar air combat training aircraft , in support of tactical aviation contracts.
Crown Pacific Advisors, LLC is a Merchant Bank specializing in the financing of aviation assets. Crown Pacific Advisors is not a shareholder of TADF.
Alexis C. Korybut, Chief Executive Officer of TADF, stated, "We believe the $5,000,000 financing commitment from Crown Pacific for the purchase of these aircraft and related assets is a watershed event for TADF. The acquisition of these fighter jets will enable TADF to bid on larger and more profitable tactical aviation contracts and aircraft maintenance contracts, and the sale of any surplus spare parts and engines may provide a significant source of income to TADF for years to come, in addition to materially increasing the assets on our balance sheet."
STOCKS TO WATCH
MULTICELL TECHNOLOGIES INCORPORATED (OTCBB: MCET)
"Up 12.73% in morning trading"
Detailed Quote: http://www.otcpicks.com/quotes/MCET.php
MultiCell Technologies, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing novel therapeutics and discovery tools that address unmet medical needs for the treatment of neurological disorders, hepatic disease and cancer.
MCET News:
October 19 - MultiCell's Majority Owned Subsidiary Acquires Bioabsorbable Interventional Cardiology Stent Assets
MultiCell Technologies, Inc. (OTCBB: MCET) and its majority owned subsidiary, Xenogenics Corporation, are pleased to announce the acquisition of the Ideal™ BioStent assets by Xenogenics Corporation from investment funds managed by Western Technology Investment and Silicon Valley Bank. Xenogenics Corporation also entered into a worldwide exclusive license with Rutgers University for rights to certain intellectual property related to the Ideal™ BioStent.
The multi-billion dollar interventional cardiology and intravascular stent market remains extremely lucrative, and one of the most attractive opportunities for medical device companies. Several analysts predict the 2010 estimated worldwide interventional cardiology and intravascular stent market to exceed $4.6 billion, growing 3% to 4% annually. Clinicians, patients and manufacturers are seeking the next generation of interventional cardiology and intravascular medical devices which address long-term safety concerns and improvement of blood vessel health, while still providing efficacy equivalent to current generation products.
The Ideal™ BioStent is the only stent to offer a dual-drug polymer, incorporating salicylate, the active component in aspirin, directly into the polymer chain. As the polymer degrades, salicylate is released directly into the vessel wall to provide anti-inflammatory therapy aimed at reducing stenosis and the promotion of blood vessel healing.
The Ideal™ BioStent also incorporates the drug Sirolimus (rapamycin) in its polymer matrix to provide anti-restenotic therapy similar to today's commonly used drug-eluting metal stents. The Ideal™ BioStent's technology allows for the ability to layer different combinations of polymers and drugs, enabling the optimization of the delivery of combination drug therapies to provide superior clinical results. The Ideal™ BioStent represents a significant advance over currently available stents, including:
* The ability to promote positive vessel remodeling.
* A significant reduction in late-stent thrombosis risk.
* No metal artifact remaining in the patient's body after vessel healing.
* The reduced need for long-term and costly anti-platelet therapy.
In extensive animal testing and initial human use, the Ideal™ BioStent demonstrated equivalence in safety, short-term efficacy and structural integrity when compared with today's leading bare metal stent and drug-eluting metal stent. Importantly, unlike other bioabsorbable stent technologies, the Ideal™ BioStent showed no stent recoil, both acute and at six month follow up, remaining well apposed to the vessel wall. Furthermore, the Ideal™ BioStent is designed to be fully absorbed at 12 months leaving no metal artifact behind in the blood vessel, and allows the blood vessel to heal and return to its natural biological state.
The ability of the Ideal™ BioStent to leave no permanent structure behind offers several advantages over today's drug eluting and bare metal stents:
* No risk of late adverse events. Because the Ideal™ BioStent eliminates the permanent implant and polymer of today's drug-eluting stents, it also eliminates the risk of late adverse events, such as late stent thrombosis. Patients will not require costly antiplatelet therapy for long durations, potentially opening the market to diabetic patients, or patients with other bleeding disorders who were previously contraindicated for stent placement.
* Promotes remodeling of the artery. Permanent metal stents, because of their rigidity, prevent the artery from reacting naturally and make true healing impossible. As a result, clinician interest is accelerating around the extremely strong potential of bioabsorbable stents to promote vascular healing and return vessels to their natural state.
* Does not preclude future interventions. Patients with metal stents may not be able to undergo future procedures, such as bypass surgery. Biodegradable stents do not have this limitation, and by promoting healing of the vessel wall, bioabsorbable stents may even reduce the likelihood that such future interventions will be necessary.
"We saw a significant opportunity to build upon $20 million in invested capital, since the Ideal™ BioStent has already demonstrated proof of concept in initial human clinical trials", stated W. Gerald Newmin, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of MultiCell Technologies.
Xenogenics Corporation also licensed rights to a strong intellectual property portfolio covering the Ideal™ BioStent. This patent estate includes 24 issued patents, and over 65 patent applications with broad claims encompassing interventional cardiology and intravascular bioabsorbable stent design and manufacture.
MultiCell Technologies provided the financing for the acquisition of the Ideal™ BioStent. MultiCell Technologies increased its ownership position in Xenogenics Corporation to 91.72% as a result of providing the acquisition financing. Additional information about the transaction can be found on MultiCell Technologies' Form 8K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC").
ABOUT XENOGENICS CORPORATION
Xenogenics Corporation is a development-stage medical device company focused on the design of next-generation bioabsorbable stents for interventional cardiology and peripheral vessel applications. Xenogenics is a majority owned subsidiary of MultiCell Technologies, Inc.
CANNABIS MEDICAL SOLUTIONS INCORPORATED (OTCBB: CMSI)
"Up 30.00% in morning trading"
Detailed Quote: http://www.otcpicks.com/quotes/CMSI.php
Cannabis Medical Solutions Inc. (OTCBB: CMSI) has quickly become the most recognized brand and partner in both online and wireless niche merchant payment solutions. The Company offers a full spectrum of secure and reliable transaction processing solutions using traditional, Internet Point-of-Sale (POS), e-commerce and mobile (wireless) terminals in conjunction with Industry Alliance Partners. The Company has recently focused on providing payment solutions to the licensed medical marijuana dispensaries throughout 14 states. In an effort to keep these businesses within the guidelines of CA Proposition 215 and SB 420, Cannabis Medical Solutions offers reliable merchant payment solutions and closed loop pre-paid stored value and loyalty cards as a unique cash alternative to these regulated dispensaries for both operators and members of collectives. CMSI will seek to capitalize on this presently untapped and much needed solution, and presently provides services to multiple locations throughout California, New Mexico, Colorado and Montana.
CMSI News:
October 4 - Cannabis Medical Solutions Announces Confirmation of Business Strategy as California Governor Signs Marijuana Decriminalization Bill
Company to Immediately Expand Operations in California as Proposition 19 Vote Approaches
Cannabis Medical Solutions Inc. (OTCBB: CMSI), a leading company specializing in merchant payment solutions and products for the medical marijuana industry, today announced on Thursday of last week, California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger (R) signed into law, a bill that decriminalizes the possession of up to one ounce of marijuana. The bill reduces simple possession from a misdemeanor to an infraction. Under the bill signed last week, SB 1449, by Sen. Mark Leno (D-San Francisco), marijuana possession will be treated like a traffic ticket. The fine will remain at one-hundred dollars, and there will be no arrest record. The law goes into effect January 1, 2011.
"Gov. Schwarzenegger deserves credit for sparing the state's taxpayers the cost of prosecuting minor pot offenders," said California NORML director Dale Gieringer. "Californians increasingly recognize that the war on marijuana is a waste of law enforcement resources."
"This act is further affirmation of CMSI's business strategy within this sector as a provider of financial security products on behalf of the medical marijuana industry, eliminating cash only transactions often leading to theft and fraud. We will continue to offer financial software applications that prove these medical transactions can be properly tracked, licensed and can create taxable income for states with approved legislation, while paving the way for further approvals in additional states. We expect our business model to eventually expand into all areas within the medical marijuana sector not only including financial security applications, but ownership, infused beverages, edibles and nutraceuticals through our client dispensary networks in California, Colorado and Montana,"stated Michael Friedman for CMSI.
JACADA LIMITED (NASDAQ: JCDA)
"Up 19.44% in morning trading"
Detailed Quote: http://www.otcpicks.com/quotes/JCDA.php
Jacada is a leading global provider of customer experience management and interaction optimization solutions. By bridging disconnected systems and processes, Jacada solutions create greater operational efficiency and increase agent and customer satisfaction. Founded in 1990, Jacada operates globally with offices in London; Munich; Stockholm; Atlanta, Georgia; and Herzliya, Israel.
JCDA News:
October 19 - Jacada Signs Agreement with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts
Jacada Ltd. (Nasdaq: JCDA), a leading provider of customer experience management and process optimization solutions for customer service operations, signs agreement with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts (BCBSMA) to provide Jacada Fusion Integration Technologies in support of streamlining their technology services and accelerating their move to Service Oriented Architecture (SOA). This solution will allow BCBSMA to easily integrate and exchange data for critical host-based, web-based and Windows applications.
“We are thrilled to have the opportunity to work with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts and to provide them with the critical integration technology necessary to support their Healthcare Services initiative,” said Tom Clear, chief executive officer for Jacada. “Providing superior customer service is paramount to healthcare organizations in today’s world and I look forward to working with BCBSMA in support of this goal.”
Jacada Fusion® is a non-invasive platform designed to increase agent productivity and improve the customer experience – without requiring any modifications to existing business applications. Jacada Fusion leverages the current IT environment and in-place assets.
“Using Jacada Integration Technologies will allow BCBSMA to service enable a number of our legacy systems while we invest in reengineering and replacing applications,” said Ted Marsh, Chief Technology Officer at BCBSMA. “This technology will help us integrate our legacy assets into a comprehensive SOA platform, enabling us to become more agile and responsive to changing business needs given the dynamic healthcare environment. Jacada is a proven leader in this area and we are pleased to be working with a dedicated team of professionals.”
ABOUT BLUE CROSS BLUE CROSS BLUE SHIELD OF MASSACHUSETTS
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts (www.bluecrossma.com) was founded 73 years ago by a group of community-minded business leaders. Today, headquartered in Boston, BCBSMA provides coverage to nearly 3 million members. BCBSMA believes in rewarding doctors and hospitals for delivering safe and effective care, and in empowering patients to take more responsibility, become educated health care consumers, and become stronger partners with their doctors. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association.
AVSTAR AVIATION GROUP INCORPORATED (OTC: AAVG)
"Up 27.50% in morning trading"
Detailed Quote: http://www.otcpicks.com/quotes/AAVG.php
AVSTAR Aviation Group, Inc. ("AVSTAR ") has a main focus on acquiring, consolidating, and growing businesses in the aviation industry. Also, the company is focusing on acquiring and/or developing companies that provide products and services for the general aviation service business.
AAVG News:
September 1 - In Anticipation of Expansion and Revenue Increase, AvStar Aviation Expands Management to Include Local Expert, Kenneth Langston
AvStar Aviation (OTC: AAVG) announced that new positions have been created and one has been filled with local expert Kenneth Langston. Mr. Langston, newly appointed Advisor on Bahamas Marketing Strategies, has been promoted to act as an expert and consultant to AvStar. Mr. Langston owned and operated a charter operation servicing the unique destinations AvStar Aviation currently provides. "Ken will give myself and the Board of Avstar 'hands on' advice and feedback on one of Twin Air Calypso Limited, Inc.'s major markets," said Clayton Gamber, CEO of Avstar.
Kenneth Langston, a long time dentist, residing in Pompano Beach, Florida, began family travel to the Bahamas in the mid-1970s. As a Bahamian homeowner, avid boater, fisherman, and diver, Ken has a unique understanding of the passenger and freight needs of the Bahamas "family islands." Ken started Calypso Air in 2004, which merged with Twin Air in 2005. The merger gave Twin Air a major presence in the Abaco market. Earlier this year AvStar Aviation Group acquired Twin Air Calypso.
XSUNX INCORPORATED (OTCBB: XSNX)
"Up 13.99% in morning trading"
Detailed Quote: http://www.otcpicks.com/quotes/XSNX.php
Xsunx, Inc., a thin-film photovoltaic (TFPV) company, focuses on developing thin film photovoltaic (TFPV) amorphous silicon solar cell manufacturing processes to produce TFPV solar modules. Its product includes XsunX ASI-120 module, which is a 125 peak watt TFPV solar module utilizing glass substrates and a proprietary semiconductor manufacturing system. XsunX ASI-120 provides for a module delivering high power output, and size and framing that would allow for the use of various existing mounting systems. The target markets for the TFPV solar module include solar farms, government agencies, and utility companies, as well as power purchase agreements and large commercial installations worldwide. The company, formerly known as Sun River Mining, Inc., was incorporated in 1997 and changed its name to XsunX, Inc. in 2003. XsunX is headquartered in Aliso Viejo, California.
XSNX News:
October 19 - XsunX Produces CIGSolar Cell Devices That Surpass 14 Percent Conversion Efficiency
XsunX, Inc. (OTCBB: XSNX), the developer of advanced, thin-film photovoltaic (TFPV) solar cell technologies and manufacturing processes, today announced the successful fabrication of cells based upon the Company's CIGSolar™ technology that surpass 14 percent conversion efficiency. This achievement supports the Company's assertion that small-area, co-evaporation production provides the best platform to deliver the highest efficiency CIGS based solar cells necessary to compete with and potentially replace silicon photovoltaic (PV) technologies.
"In only a few short months since adding our new co-evaporation capability and control approach to our CIGS process development, we've achieved efficiencies of over 14 percent," said Chief Technology Officer, XsunX, Inc., Robert G. Wendt. "This efficiency level and the efficiency distribution is a significant achievement. In addition to achieving high efficiency levels, we demonstrated excellent cell voltage in the range of 620 to 660 millivolt (mV) clearly demonstrating the incorporation of gallium near the junction in the cell structure which is necessary for producing high efficiencies. We are working hard to further improve on this rapid success so that we can deliver the best possible CIGS technology to the market."
Deposition of the CIGS cell layers was conducted on full size 125 mm square substrates. Test configurations used to measure efficiency are identical to that used by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory and XsunX test equipment is calibrated to the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) standards.
XsunX is pioneering a new manufacturing process to produce low cost, high efficiency thin-film CIGS solar cells through the combination of thin-film photovoltaic (TFPV) process knowledge with select magnetic media thin-film manufacturing technologies pioneered in the hard disc drive industries. The company believes that leveraging small area and high rate production methods will reduce the processing defects plaguing large-scale production processes currently implemented in the marketplace.
CANNABIS SCIENCE INCORPORATED (OTCBB: CBIS)
"Up 25.95% in morning trading"
Detailed Quote: http://www.otcpicks.com/quotes/CBIS.php
Cannabis Science Inc. is at the forefront of medical marijuana research and development. The company works with world authorities on phytocannabinoid science targeting critical illnesses, and adheres to scientific methodologies to develop, produce, and commercialize phytocannabinoid-based pharmaceutical products. It is dedicated to the creation of cannabis-based medicines, both with and without psychoactive properties, to treat disease and the symptoms of disease, as well as for general health maintenance.
CBIS News:
October 12 - Cannabis Science Issues Guidance on Its Progress Toward FDA Investigative New Drug Applications For Clinical Trials and Proposed Dividend Payout for Current Shareholders to Receive a New Class of Common Stock
Cannabis Science, Inc. (OTCBB: CBIS), a pioneering US biotech company developing pharmaceutical cannabis products, is pleased to announce guidance on its product development and FDA Investigative New Drug Applications for its cannabis clinical trials. The Company is also pleased to announce the proposed dividend payout to current shareholders for a new class of common shares is under review by counsel, and the Company expects to announce the date of shareholder record, the proposed share ratio payments, and attached financing options within the next few days.
Cannabis Science Inc. President & CEO, Dr. Robert Melamede Ph.D., commented, "We are at the beginning stages of our growth curve right now. This is the most exciting time yet for us all in our short history, we see the proposed dividend payout with the proposed new class of common shares as a way to multiply, reward, and increase our investor options and participation. Our operational structure has been increased dramatically by the ever-increasing amount of partnership opportunities. We have seen some impressive results worldwide from cannabis patients, whether they are using medical cannabis in what is considered informal trials or for personal edification. Absurdly, this vast trove of clinical experience has been dismissed as 'anecdotal.' At some point that willful blindness is not only unscientific, it is simply dishonest. However, it has created a great opportunity for us. Cannabis Science is in the strategic planning phase with respect to the enormous amount of positive research and data collection coming from all of this 'real world' experience of thousands of Colorado patients. Consequently, we are forming a well-qualified team of physicians, and this data will be compounded through our RockBrook agreements and later used with respect to the FDA applications and clinical trials. At this point our focus remains on submitting our initial Investigative New Drug Applications to FDA, so we are weighing the options and expect to announce a decision in the near future."
Cannabis Science is implementing its pharmaceutical grade cannabis product development and quality control standardizations through its licensed commercialization developer RockBrook Inc. and is currently negotiating its laboratory quality control standardizations with another group. This will be a large contribution to the body of evidence presented as part of our Investigative New Drug Applications to the FDA for the critical ailments, which we will be pursuing through the FDA regulatory process.
Cannabis Science Inc. Lab Director, Christopher Stubbs, remarked, "The Cannabis Science Lab Division has been compiling pharmaceutical guidance for The Company and its affiliates with respect to horticulture standards and practices, good manufacturing compliance, health and safety profiling of medical cannabis and formulated products, as well as FDA guidance for our long-term goals. We've also been busy generating new scientific partnerships and collaborations in order to meet our needs. As has always been the case, our ultimate aim is to bring multiple levels of cannabis treatment to market, with proper case documentation and organization of viable clinical trials that utilize FDA regulatory guidance and operations transparency. This provides a strong scientific basis for internal use, as well as industry dissemination. With respect to both patient treatment and dosing – utilizing well-characterized, standardized products – the Cannabis Science horticultural method and product formulation model is being implemented in the State of Colorado. Our entry into other medical cannabis states through licensing agreements or partnerships will follow suit in a timely manner, as many organizations will benefit from the application research we have been engaged in."
The following is a prioritized list of potential FDA Investigative New Drug Indications that Cannabis Science is researching:
Pain Management – Cannabis use in pain management has long been documented clinically and anecdotally. A recent Canadian Medical Association publication showed "Our results support the claim that smoked cannabis reduces pain, improves mood and helps sleep"(Ware et al 2010).
The medical cannabis dispensary model has provided a wealth of observational data, with pain patients reporting improved pain management as well as increases in overall quality of life after beginning cannabis therapy. Cannabis Science licensee RockBrook, Inc. works with one of the leading pain management doctors in the State of Colorado, which has led to the selection of a standardized cannabis strain and appropriate methods of ingestion for these patients. This strain and its formulated products will be available for dispensary sale in the next quarter. Because pain management is often associated with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD, see below), it is likely that both indications will be targeted with this same formulation in the new drug application.
Last year, MarketResearch.com reported that the "global pain management market generated $46.4 billion sales in 2007, a 12.5% increase over 2006. The most prevalent forms of neuropathic pain in the seven major markets were neuralgia/fibromyalgia and lower back pain, with 16.3m and 15.9m cases respectively during 2008."
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) – Recent peer-reviewed literature, as well as practical applications in foreign markets such as Israel, show that medical cannabis can be extremely effective in the clinical treatment of PTSD and associated symptoms. Cannabis Science has also received clear input from veterans in Colorado that this treatment is safe and effective. Cannabis Science and its colleagues have been assembling a petition to the Colorado Department of Health and Environment to gain acceptance for medical cannabis use for PTSD under the state regulations. Furthermore, The Company is in the planning phase with the CBR International Group, to complete the New Drug Application based on CBIS proprietary methodologies and formulations to treat PTSD safely and effectively. Because the extent of the PTSD problem has only recently been recognized, it is impossible to quantify the market at this point, but it is expected to be very large and its importance transcends whatever the initial estimates may be.
Cancer- Beyond the well known palliative options that cannabis provides for patients suffering from cancer and the side-effects of the standard treatments, there has been a worldwide explosion of scientific studies demonstrating the ability of cannabinoids to kill cancer cells in animals and tissue culture. Additionally, patients have initiated personal experimentation in medical marijuana states. Currently, CBIS is aware of multiple patients involved in a cannabis treatment regimen implemented by the www.PhoenixTearsFoundation.com to reduce the likely hood of cancer progression, improve quality of life through increased sleep and nutrition intake, and possibly spur remission.
It is clear that a standardized, well-profiled, and safe cannabis extract must be used for the treatment of this disease. Our goal is to coordinate clinical partnerships and patient care with our standardized product line in Colorado, and to gather data that supports the use of cannabis extracts for this indication before pursuing a new drug application. Cannabis Science has been actively working with other organizations to meet this need not only on the dispensary level, but also with respect pursuing FDA approval. Cancer drugs tend to be hugely expensive, so it is a multibillion-dollar market, but is not clear how the current market size could be extrapolated into any valuation of cannabis products, which would cost far less.
Influenza- Several cannabinoids have been shown to possess anti-inflammatory properties that could be beneficial in a variety of disease states, including many pro-inflammatory influenza strains such as the avian flu (H1N5). The secondary effects of influenza infection in susceptible populations can be the cause of eventual death from inflammation-induced Adult Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS). In fact, several peer-reviewed publications have focused on the modulation of pulmonary inflammation by cannabinoids in numerous organs after mice were inoculated with highly inflammatory influenza strains (Buchweitz et al 2007). Bringing a drug to market that safely and effectively mitigates these inflammatory consequences could drastically reduce the annual death rates associated with influenza. Cannabis Science is researching possible formulations to achieve this goal in humans.
Asthma- Affecting nearly 300 million people worldwide, its incidence has been on the rise. Historically, cannabis was routinely used for treating asthma. Its bronchial dilating properties are well documented. Modern medical marijuana users have rediscovered its effectiveness for treating this illness. Cannabis Science is currently in the early stage of development with cannabis-based based products to address this need. Local observational trials in Colorado will further guide product development in the near future. Lead Discovery of the UK estimates that the "asthma treatment market is a $15 billion market, driven by an increasing prevalence and yet without a treatment to cure this debilitating disease."
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