InMed Pharmaceuticals Inc. announced the launch of INM-089, a Cannabinoid analog, to investigate its effects in the treatment of Age-related Macular Degeneration. INM-089 is the company's second ocular pharmaceutical program. Results from a study, conducted under a collaborative research agreement with leading cannabinoid expert Dr. Mauro Maccarrone at the Universita degli Studi dell'Aquila (Italy), demonstrated that INM-089 preserved retinal function in an in vivo AMD disease model.

Furthermore, in this model, treatment with INM-089 also improved the thickness of the outer nuclear layer ("ONL") of the retina where the photoreceptors are located. Based on widely accepted ocular research, there is a very strong correlation between the thickness of the ONL, photoreceptor preservation and visual acuity. Several CBN analog structures were screened in vitro and in vivo models to select the most appropriate candidate for continued development.

InMed selected a specific CBN analog that outperformed its natural cannabinoid counterpart and demonstrated promising effects related to the treatment of AMD. From previous ocular research of the parent, naturally occurring cannabinoid CBN, the Company discovered its ability to proactively protect the nerve cells at the back of the eye in the retinal area, potentially preserving retinal function and vision in preclinical models. The results of this discovery led the Company to investigate optimization of the CBN molecule to better target AMD, resulting in the proprietary CBN analog, INM-089.

AMD is the most common cause of vision loss and potential blindness in people over 50 years of age and globally affects about 35% of people 75 years and older. AMD affects the central vision, and the ability to see fine details. In AMD, a part of the retina called the macula is damaged.

The two primary types of age-related macular degeneration are atrophic (non-exudative or "dry") AMD and neovascular (exudative or "wet") AMD. Wet AMD (approximately 10% of patients) is a more severe form of AMD and is characterized by neovascularization (i.e., development of excess vasculature), which can rapidly lead to blindness. In its early stages, AMD may have no signs or symptoms; therefore, most people do not know they have the disease until it is well developed.

Currently, there is no cure for AMD; however, there are treatment options that may prevent or slow the progression of the disease. If AMD remains untreated, patients are likely to lose central field vision in the affected eye within 24 months of disease onset. InMed is developing a pipeline of rare cannabinoids and cannabinoid analogs across a spectrum of therapeutic applications with large unmet medical needs.

pharmaceutical programs include a recently completed Phase 2 clinical trial studying the safety and efficacy of INM-755 cream for epidermolysis bullosa and preclinical programs in ocular and neurodegenerative diseases.