Pipeline
Plant-Powered Innovation
Canurta’s polyphenolic compounds provide new approaches to treating inflammatory
diseases and treatment-resistant malignancies, including glioblastoma multiforme (brain tumour), pancreatic cancer and even sickle cell anemia.
Our compounds can be delivered individually, or in combination with non-psychoactive cannabinoids and terpenoids from the hemp plant in future supplements and biopharmaceuticals.
Canurta’s focus begins with polyphenolic molecules unique to hemp called cannflavins.
Why Cannflavins?
When discovered in the mid-80s, cannflavins A and B were confirmed to inhibit the production of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), providing anti-inflammatory benefits about 30 times more potent than aspirin.
It was later shown that the underlying basis for their activity was their ability to inhibit the production of pro-inflammatory mediators, PGE2 and leukotrienes (LTs).
The development of most anti-inflammatory drugs is aimed at inhibiting COXs and PGES; however, treatment with classical NSAIDs targeting COX-1 to decrease PGE2 formation is often associated with gastrointestinal bleeding and ulceration.
Looking Beyond Inflammation
In addition to the proposed use as an anti-inflammatory, the efficacy of our novel molecules have also been explored in pre-clinical research as antiparasitic, anticancer, antiviral, and neuroprotective agents and are now being formulated into a variety of assets for clinical development.
Our Assets
Canurta has a broad product portfolio under development, addressing several key markets. We seek to expand our product portfolio through the development of new botanical polyphenol products as well using AI to identify new molecules.
Pathway Interactions
mPGES-1/5-LO Inhibition
The mechanism of action of assets in CNR-100's involves dual inhibition of pro-inflammatory enzymes. Inflammatory stimuli activate two main branches that lead to inflammation: leukotrienes and prostaglandins. Corticosteroids inhibit phospholipase (PL), and NSAIDs inhibit cyclooxygenases (COX-1/2). Canurta Compounds act as dual inhibitors of the microsomal prostaglandin E2 synthase-1 (mPGES) and 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO), two crucial enzymes in the biosynthesis of the pro-inflammatory mediators PGE2 and LTs, respectively.
TrKb Inhibition
CNR-200's provide inhibition of tropomyosin receptor kinase B (TrkB) signaling associated with cancer progression. Simplified schematic representation of BDNF activation of TrkB and downstream signaling pathways that leads to increased activation of genes associated with cell survival, differentiation, proliferation, and migration. CNR-200's act by decreasing the activation of TrkB-controlled pathways.
Protease Inhibition
CNR-300's may help solve viral diseases such as SARS-CoV2 by inhibiting the replication of viral DNA. During virus replication, proteins are expressed as covalently bound polyproteins before they are cleaved by the main protease (Mpro) to produce active proteins involved in virus replication and packaging. CNR-300's inhibit the Mpro enzyme, thereby preventing the polyproteins from maturing and preventing the virus from being able to replicate.
MAGL/FAAH Inhibition
Inflammatory stimuli cause endocannabinoids 2-AG and AEA to be converted into arachidonic acid by the enzymes monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL) and fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH), respectively. AA is the precursor of pro-inflammatory prostaglandins. CNR-400's act as inhibitors of both MAGL and FAAH to provide neuroprotection and nociceptive pain stimuli.
Producing more than Molecules
In addition to its robust therapeutic pipeline, Canurta is the holder of two further patents that allow for the commercialization of its novel molecules for natural health and food products.
Activated Seed Powders
Canurta’s proprietary technology offers a competitive advantage over traditional seed products through the process of activation. When seeds are activated, their nutritional value instantly increases; the level of antinutrients such as phytic acid decrease to aid in the digestibility and bioavailability of vitamins and minerals; most importantly, activation induces the formation of the plant’s polyphenolic molecules. By subsequently powdering the activated seed, Canurta is able to preserve its nutritional content to offer a naturally-balanced and nutrient-dense blend that is superior to conventional, non-activated seed products - with advanced wellness support from polyphenols.
Polyphenol Extract
Canurta’s proprietary extraction technology allows for the detection, isolation, and purification of Canurta’s molecules to commercialize a premium extract natural health product. The technology is scalable, cost-effective, and validated for all aspects of plant biomass including root, stem, brand, flower, inflorescence, fruit, seed, cell, tissue, or a combination of all. This allows the company to make efficient use of the whole plant and waste biomass under controlled conditions, significantly improving quality consistency at a lower cost.
