Abstract
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a component of cannabis, which does not cause the typical marijuana-type effects, but has a high potential for use in several therapeutic areas. In contrast to Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC), it binds very weakly to the CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptors. It has potent activity in both in vitro and in vivo anti-inflammatory assays. Thus, it lowers the formation of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, a proinflammatory cytokine, and was found to be an oral antiarthritic therapeutic in murine collagen-induced arthritis in vivo. However, in acidic media, it can cyclize to the psychoactive Δ9-THC. We report the synthesis of a novel CBD derivative, HU-444, which cannot be converted by acid cyclization into a Δ9-THC–like compound. In vitro HU-444 had anti-inflammatory activity (decrease of reactive oxygen intermediates and inhibition of TNF-α production by macrophages); in vivo it led to suppression of production of TNF-α and amelioration of liver damage as well as lowering of mouse collagen-induced arthritis. HU-444 did not cause Δ9-THC–like effects in mice. We believe that HU-444 represents a potential novel drug for rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory diseases.
Footnotes
- Received May 25, 2015.
- Accepted August 11, 2015.
This work was supported by the National Institutes of Health National Institute on Drug Abuse [Grant DA 978 to R.M.]; Kessler Foundation of Boston [to R.M.]; and Israel Ministry of Science [to C.G.H.].
- Copyright © 2015 by The American Society for Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics
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