Discovery and engineering the biosynthesis of novel cannabinoid pharmaceuticals

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With its strong connections between the private sector and academia, Canada has been leading cannabis science and technology development around the world since the legalization of both recreational and medical uses of cannabis. With mounting evidence of the importance of the human endocannabinoid system in neurotransmission and neuroprotection, it is now clear that pharmaceuticals that can impact its homeostasis will offer new treatments for many neurodegenerative and immune diseases that are closely associated with this system. Recently, bibenzyl cannabinoids, a new class of cannabinoids, have been identified in several unrelated plant species shown to possess superior and new bio activities compared to their cannabis counterparts. Discovery and engineering of their biosynthesis will further cannabinoid innovation by providing new pharmaceuticals to help patients in need. The partner company Tetra Bio Pharma Inc. is engaged in developing biopharmaceuticals, natural health and veterinary products containing cannabinoid-derived molecules and other medicinal plant-based elements. With collective expertise in pharmacology (Tetra Bio Pharma Inc.) and natural product biosynthesis (University of New Brunswick), we will 1) uncover the biosynthesis of bibenzyl cannabinoids and further engineer their structures, 2) develop biotechnology for their efficient production by metabolic engineering, and 3) evaluate their bioactivity for their future development into clinically useful drugs. The 3-year project will allow 11 trainees to participate in industry-academia collaborative research and develop their scientific and professional skills. The discovery and engineering efforts in this project will not only benefit future research on developing plant-based medicines, but also create value to the Canadian bioeconomy and the Canadian cannabis economy.