drug device combination market analysis

Lobe Sciences Announces Data Demonstrating That Its Combination Therapeutic Candidates are Significantly More Effective Than Monotherapy in mTBI and PTSD

Combination Therapy with Psilocybin plus NAC (N-Acetylcysteine) Is Statistically Significantly Better Than Either Agent Alone or Placebo in a Rodent Model of mTBI and PTSD

Lobe Sciences Ltd. (" Lobe " or the " Company ") (CSE: LOBE) (OTC Pink: GTSIF) is pleased to announce interim data from its preclinical research studies, in established rodent models of mild traumatic brain injuryconcussion ("mTBI") and post-traumatic stress disorder ("PTSD"), using psilocybin plus N-Acetylcysteine ("NAC"). The study is being conducted in collaboration with a multidisciplinary team of scientists and physicians at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine under the leadership of Michael E. Hoffer M.D., professor of otolaryngology and neurological surgery.

Lobe Sciences Ltd. Logo (CNW Group/Lobe Sciences Ltd.)

The rodents treated with the combination of psilocybin and NAC performed statistically significantly better (P

Philip Young , CEO of Lobe stated, "I am thankful to Dr. Hoffer and his team for their excellent work. This data is validation of our therapeutic hypothesis that the use of these two active therapeutics provides superior efficacy to either placebo or single drug therapy in this model of TBI and PTSD. We believe that these data directly support our IP and will allow us to build on our leadership position in the rapidly evolving psychedelic therapeutics marketplace. Despite the significant shortage of psilocybin in North America the Miami team was able to deliver these data. However, the shortage has impacted the timing of the next planned studies. We have responded to this supply shortage by working to identify a manufacturing company who will supply high purity cGMP psilocybin to the University of Miami so that the remaining studies can be completed."

Dr. Hoffer stated "These are promising results that suggest that a combination of psilocybin and NAC can work better than either drug administered as a single agent after traumatic brain injury.  We look forward to future work that will help to reaffirm these outcomes and further clarify the role of medical countermeasures in combatting traumatic insults to the brain."

Maghsoud Dariani , Chief Science Officer of Lobe said, "We are extremely pleased that the interim data from our preclinical studies validates our therapeutic hypothesis that NAC plus psilocybin would provide superior efficacy over either agent used alone. NAC remains the only compound that has successfully completed a human phase 1 equivalent trial in a population of individuals who had acute mTBI. Dr. Hoffer's team has made significant in-roads studying psychedelic medicine and NAC specifically as it relates to mTBI and PTSD. Given there are currently no approved medicinal treatments for mTBI and PTSD, we feel this data is supportive of our plans to advance into future human clinical trials which we hope will eventually lead to approved therapeutics for these unmet needs."

Trials Methodology And Results

Rodent models have been essential for revealing the normal and pathological processes that influence learning and memory. The University of Miami team has extensive experience and expertise in running these and other important models. In a standard model of normal behavior that assess the amount of time that rodents exhibit exploratory activity, rodents who underwent trauma and treated with the combination agents spent significantly more time exploring than they did with single agents or vehicle alone. The rodents treated with the combination of psilocybin and NAC performed statistically significantly better (P

About Lobe Sciences Ltd.

Lobe Sciences is a life sciences company focused on psychedelic medicines.  The Company, through collaborations with industry-leading partners, is engaged in drug research and development using psychedelic compounds and the development of innovative devices and delivery mechanisms to improve mental health and wellness.

NEITHER THE CSE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER HAVE NOT REVIEWED OR ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS RELEASE.

Disclaimer for Forward Looking Statements
This news release contains forward-looking statements relating to the future operations of the Company and other statements that are not historical facts. Forward-looking statements are often identified by terms such as "will", "may", "should", "anticipate", "expects" and similar expressions. All statements other than statements of historical fact included in this release, including statements regarding the future plans and objectives of the Company; the development of effective delivery methods and commercialization potential of the nasal mist device; research and development using NAC and psilocybin and growth of the business; the timing of and results from the University of Miami pre-clinical study; the ability to access a supply high purity cGMP psilocybin for the Company's studies; anticipated timing and announcement of initiation of the first human study with Lobe's patent pending combination therapeutics of psilocybin and NAC (N-Acetylcysteine); statements and expected timing regarding cGMP psilocybin supply and availability; expected advancement into future human clinical trials; statements regarding future approved therapeutics; and the expected timing for the launch of new products and revenue-generating activities, are all forward looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements, by their very nature, require management to make assumptions and are subject to inherent risks and uncertainties, and while management of the Company believes the forward-looking statements contained herein have a reasonable basis, the possibility exists that our predictions, forecasts, projections, expectations or conclusions will not prove to be accurate. Material assumptions that underlie the forward-looking statements included in this news release include, without limitation, assumptions regarding: the outcomes of scientific studies showing the efficacy of psychedelic therapies on mTBI and PTSD, increasing acceptance in the medical community and among consumers for psychedelic therapies as an effective treatment modality; the Company having access to sufficient capital needed to support its various objectives, expected synergies from M&A transactions and the timing of future studies, regulatory approvals and our ability to capitalize on business opportunities; the Company having availability and supply of high-purity cGMP psilocybin; and the impact of COVID-19 on our business plans.  Readers are cautioned that assumptions used in the preparation of the forward-looking statements may prove to be incorrect.  As a result of the inherent uncertainty of forward-looking statements, there can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements, whether as a result of known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of the Company. Important risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Company's expectations include without limitation risks relating to: that we may not have the capital needed or will not be able to raise sufficient capital to support our business activities or achieve our anticipated milestones; delays or stoppages in the Company's business activities resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic; adverse or unexpected findings in scientific research; adverse changes to the regulatory environment in which we operate; regulatory delays or the failure to obtain required regulatory approvals; failure to capitalize on business opportunities and develop revenue-generating activities; contract counterparty risks; key personnel risk; business integration risks; risks inherent to equity and debt markets and their effects on our share price, and such other risks as may be detailed from time to time in the filings made by the Company pursuant to securities regulations, as well as other risks that may presently be unknown to us or which we consider to be immaterial at the time such forward-looking statements are made. As a result of these risks and uncertainties, the Company cannot guarantee that any forward-looking statement will materialize as expected, and the reader is therefore cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements contained in this news release. Forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement, are made only as of the date of this news release and the Company does not intend to update any of the forward-looking statements contained in this news release except as expressly required by applicable securities laws.

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SOURCE Lobe Sciences Ltd.

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Cannabis leaf on road marked with "2025," with sunlight in the background.

New Cannabis Consumption Trends, Regulatory Shifts Seen Driving Market in 2025

Understanding trends in the cannabis industry is paramount for investors eyeing a market with steady growth potential, but the landscape is complex as products and regulations continue to evolve.

Consumption habits are changing as edibles, vaping and THC beverages gain traction, especially among younger users, and cannabis companies are adapting their offerings to meet shifting demand.

Meanwhile, regulatory uncertainty, particularly surrounding the future of the US Farm Bill and state-level restrictions on hemp-derived cannabinoids, continues to challenge the market.

Despite these headwinds, production data and long-term growth forecasts suggest the cannabis industry remains on a promising — albeit turbulent — path. Read on for more on key trends to watch in 2025.

Consumption methods evolving post-legalization

Shifts in consumer behavior are reshaping markets across the board, and the cannabis industry is no exception.

While smoking remains the dominant method of cannabis consumption, a recent report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention highlights the growing popularity of edibles, vaping and dabbing.

The report notes that vaping and dabbing are particularly pronounced among younger adults.

A separate study published by the American Medical Association and funded in part by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research also points to how product preferences have changed among Canadian users since legalization in 2018.


The study indicates that while the use of flower, cannabis concentrates, oil, tinctures and topicals has decreased during that time, the use of vape cartridges, edibles and beverages has increased.

Edibles and beverages were legalized in Canada in late 2019, and Truss Beverage was one of the first players to introduce cannabis-infused drinks. Truss was a joint venture formed by Molson Coors Canada (TSX:TPX.A,TSX:TPX.B) and HEXO, a cannabis company that has since been acquired by Tilray Brands (TSX:TLRY,NASDAQ:TLRY).

In early 2020, Tilray launched a lineup of confectionery, wellness products and beverages through its subsidiary, High Park; Canopy Growth (TSX:WEED,NASDAQ:CGC) made a similar move. These companies gradually brought their products to the US as more states legalized cannabis for medical and/or recreational use.

Today, established cannabis brands typically offer edibles and beverages alongside their other products. Organigram Global (TSX:OGI,NASDAQ:OGI) is one of the newest US entrants, with its April acquisition of Collective Project providing immediate access to the US hemp-derived THC beverage market.

Growing awareness of health and wellness, potentially amplified by the pandemic-led adoption of health trackers, appears to be making an impact on the alcoholic beverage market.

A 2023 Gallup poll reveals a two decade decline in alcohol consumption, particularly among younger adults, suggesting a shift towards more health-conscious lifestyles within this demographic.

Craft beer production declined by 4 percent year-on-year in 2024, according to data collected by the Brewers Association. This marked the largest drop in the industry's history, excluding the pandemic. For small, independent craft breweries, 2024 marked the third consecutive year of declining production. A drop in the number of operating small breweries last year provides further evidence of this trend, with 501 closures in 2024 versus 434 openings.

Challenges in the alcohol market extend beyond the brewing industry, with the New York Times recently reporting the closure of a handful of nightclubs facing decreased alcohol sales alongside rising insurance and rent costs.

Meanwhile, cannabis lounges have been popping up across the US for the last several years. As of early 2025, several states had legalized or were in the process of implementing regulations for cannabis consumption lounges.

Hemp market growth despite regulatory uncertainty

The burgeoning hemp industry is another segment of the expanding cannabis market.

The legalization of industrial hemp — defined as cannabis with a THC concentration of 0.3 percent or less — through the 2018 Farm Bill led to initial investment and optimistic projections for CBD wellness products and various industrial applications. The sector’s rapid evolution also brought the rise of hemp-derived intoxicating cannabinoids, creating a market that presented both opportunities and complexities for participants.

However, after an initial boom, a lack of infrastructure and clearly defined regulations for CBD, as well as state-level variations and market oversupply, ultimately contributed to a quick retraction.

2024 was a pivotal year for the US hemp industry, as the hemp-related provisions of the 2018 Farm Bill — originally set to expire in September 2023, but extended to December 31, 2024 — created an urgent need to address critical issues like THC limits and the regulation of novel hemp-derived cannabinoids. A major point of contention was the proposed shift from defining hemp based on Delta-9 THC concentration (0.3 percent or less) to “total THC,” which includes THCA.

This change had the potential to significantly impact farmers and processors, as many hemp varieties that are compliant under the Delta-9 THC rule could exceed the 0.3 percent limit when THCA is included.

Various bills and amendments were proposed in 2024 as part of the Farm Bill discussions, each with different approaches to regulating hemp. Separate regulatory frameworks for industrial hemp and hemp grown for cannabinoids were suggested, and many states took their own action, leading to a patchwork of regulations and even outright bans.

Despite challenges, data from the US Department of Agriculture suggests signs of recovery.

The department's annual National Hemp Report from 2024 points to an 18 percent increase in industrial hemp production value between 2022 and 2023, with output growth seen in specific sectors like floral (18 percent), fiber (133 percent) and seed hemp (414 percent). The 2025 report from the Department of Agriculture indicates further expansion, with notable increases observed in both acreage (up 64 percent from 2023) and value (46 percent).

The 2024 Farm Bill ultimately did not pass, and right now the hemp industry is operating under a temporary extension of the 2018 Farm Bill under the American Relief Act of 2025, signed into law on December 21, 2024.

The 2018 Farm Bill is now set to expire on September 30, 2025.

While analysts for Markets and Markets project that the North American hemp industry will grow at a CAGR of 22.4 percent and ultimately reach a valuation of US$30.24 billion by 2029, the future of the industry will be heavily influenced by the outcome of the ongoing Farm Bill discussions.

US cannabis legalization remains stalled

Although there is clear demand for cannabis products, the now-defunct rescheduling process in the US is likely to continue casting a shadow of uncertainty over the industry's long-term trajectory.

Legal and procedural delays, including allegations of improper conduct and bias within the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), led to hearing cancellations, and the new administration of US President Donald Trump has brought leadership changes to key agencies like the DEA and the Department of Justice.

Terry Cole, who Trump nominated to be DEA administrator on February 11, has a history of opposing cannabis legalization in the country. Similarly, Pam Bondi, Trump’s pick to lead the justice department, staunchly opposed a movement to legalize medical cannabis during her tenure as Florida’s attorney general.

While there have been bipartisan efforts in Congress to end federal cannabis prohibition and establish regulations for eventual legalization, the DEA’s actions and statements indicate a potential stall or reversal of progress.

In addition to that, new research is adding complexity to the debate.

A study published in the American Journal of Psychiatry this past March highlights an association between the use of high-potency cannabis strains and increased risks of psychosis, a factor that may not have been fully considered by the Department of Health and Human Services. As stronger cannabis strains become more widely available, a reassessment of their potential health risks may be required.

Investor takeaway

While the cannabis industry holds promise for growth and innovation, investors must remain acutely aware of the regulatory uncertainties and market volatility that will undoubtedly shape its trajectory in the years to come.

Don’t forget to follow us @INN_Cannabis for real-time news updates!

Securities Disclosure: I, Meagen Seatter, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.

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Medical cannabis was federally legalised in 2016, and the export of cannabis from Australia was legalised in 2018. As for recreational use, the only state to legalise recreational use and possession so far is the Australian Capital Territory, which did so in 2020, but it did not establish a regulated recreational cannabis market.

The country's medical cannabis market has been steadily expanding in size and scope. A Penington Institute report shows that Australians spent approximately AU$400 million on medicinal cannabis in the first half of 2024, 72 percent higher than the AU$234 million they spent over the entirety of 2022.

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To attend the conference call or webcast, participants should register online at https://ir.thecronosgroup.com/events-presentations . To avoid delays, we encourage participants to dial into the conference call fifteen minutes ahead of the scheduled start time. The webcast of the call will be archived for replay on the Company's website.

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