TPM + CBG in Arthritis

Results were announced earlier this year from a Lambert Initiative-conducted Phase 1/2 study of a TPM enhanced topical CBD formulation in the management of pain associated with osteoarthritis of the hands.

After four weeks of treatment with AVE’s proprietary formulation, highly significant improvements (p<.001) were seen in patient observed (i) reductions in pain, (ii) increases in grip strength, (iii) improvements in hand functionality, (iv) self-reported stiffness of the fingers and (v) self-reported anxiety.

Last month it was announced that AVE and Lambert Initiative will now conduct a small Phase 2 trial of a TPM/CBG formulation in the same indication. Laboratory experiments have already shown that TPM has significantly increased transdermal absorption of CBG.

Cannabigerol (CBG) is a minor cannabinoid which, like CBD, is non-intoxicating.  Early research suggests that CBG exerts antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, neuromodulatory and neuroprotective effects. There are indications that CBG may have therapeutic potential in such conditions as inflammatory bowel disease, cardiovascular disease, neurological disorders such as Huntington disease, Parkinson disease and MS as well as neuropathic pain.

Both CBD and CBG demonstrate anti-inflammatory activity, as does TPM, so there’s a good chance that improvements in arthritis symptoms will also be seen in the TPM/CBG study. Whether the topical TPM/CBG formulation will demonstrate superiority to the TPM/CBD formulation remains to be seen.

Interestingly, in a preclinical study published earlier this year, tocopheryl phosphate (on which TPM is based) was found to ameliorate symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis in mice. A significant reduction was seen in hallmarks of rheumatoid arthritis - the pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6 and TNF-α and matrix metalloproteinase, which promotes joint destruction. In addition, a significant reduction was seen in swelling, reddening, and edema in the paws of the mice. No toxicity was observed.

In this study, alternative forms of Vitamin E, α-tocopherol and tocopheryl succinate (on which TPGS is based) were used as controls. Neither demonstrated such effects.

https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/i...ertain chemicals,), and to stimulate appetite.

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https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8880618/