Research by Nephi Stella, PhD, has resulted in a cannabinoid-based compound, ST-403 (ST), that may soon provide effective treatment for glioblastoma multiform and brain metastases, two forms of cancer for which few treatments currently exist.

The novel cancer therapy drug works by disrupting the formation of microtubules during mitosis, preventing cancer cell replication and triggering cell death. Despite being a cannabinoid-based compound, ST doesn’t activate the cannabinoid receptors, so patients don’t experience a “high.”

In a preclinical, mice with glioblastoma were treated with radiation and temozolomide, which is the standard of care for human patients; ST compounds synergize with these treatments to reduce tumor size and extend life. In partnership with Pascal Biosciences Inc., a drug discovery and development company, Dr. Stella plans to begin human clinical studies of ST-403 in 2019. Read more