Pascal Biosciences Receives DEA Schedule I License for Cannabinoid Development and Renews UBC Collaboration

Pascal Biosciences (TSXV:PAS) has announced that it has been licensed by the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to conduct and research development on cannabinoids.

As quoted in the press release:

Pascal is also pleased to renew the UBC collaboration and continue financial support of Dr. Wilfred Jefferies’ laboratory at the Michael Smith Laboratories.

Pascal is one of only a few organizations with a Schedule I Researcher license in the United States that is not a university. Obtaining a DEA Schedule I Researcher license is a rigorous process, requiring a well-documented line of scientific investigation in a formal application, inspection of laboratory facilities, review of Pascal’s plans for record-keeping, and confirmation of facility security. “Receiving our Schedule I DEA license allows us to immediately conduct advanced R&D on cannabinoids, with a goal of conducting clinical trials on cancer patients as soon as possible”, commented Dr. Patrick Gray, CEO at Pascal.

Dr. Jeffries was the first scientist to discover specific cannabinoids that can increase the immune recognition of both mouse and human cancer cells. Together, both labs have greatly extended this work. Over 375 natural and synthetic cannabinoids have been tested, and the most potent and safe cannabinoids have been identified. “Previous support by Pascal enabled the discovery of specific cannabinoids that enhance detection and elimination of cancers by the immune system”, commented Dr. Jefferies. “Together we have made great progress in developing a cannabinoid for cancer. Pascal’s continued financial support will enable a lead product to complete preclinical efforts for treatment of patients with cancer.”

In order to undertake this work, both the Pascal development lab in Seattle and Dr. Jefferies’ lab in Vancouver, BC were required to be licensed by the appropriate government agencies. In addition to Pascal being awarded the Schedule I Researcher license by the U.S. DEA, Dr. Jefferies’ lab has received approval from Health Canada for an exemption under Section 56 of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act.  This approval allows the lab to utilize controlled substances for research and development purposes and to test cannabinoid compounds in cell-based studies and in animal models of human diseases.

Click here to read the full press release.