NEMUS Bioscience Announces Analog Of Cannabidiol (CBD) Achieves Multi-Chamber Ocular Penetration In Animal Model Using Initial Ophthalmic Formulation

COSTA MESA, CA / ACCESSWIRE / December 14, 2016 / NEMUS Bioscience, Inc.(NMUS) announced that an analog of CBD, developed by the University of Mississippi and formulated as an eye drop, was shown to enter the anterior and posterior chambers of the eye in animal models. Conversely, standard CBD, studied in parallel experiments, had negligible ocular concentrations. Nemus believes that this CBD analog, that is being developed as Nemus drug candidate NB2222 for the treatment and/or management of eye diseases, could have clinical utility across a spectrum of eye pathology, particularly those associated with the posterior compartment of the eye.

Brian Murphy, M.D., M.B.A., Nemus CEO and Chief Medical Officer commented, "CBD has long been associated with the neuroprotective attributes of the cannabinoid family of molecules, but its bioavailability and pharmacokinetics can be less than optimal with oral administration. Nemus, through its relationship with the University of Mississippi, is focused on developing second- and third-generation cannabinoid molecules that can be customized to specific disease states. We believe NB2222 supplements our cannabinoid-based ophthalmology platform and has the potential to address diseases in multiple chambers of the eye."

"Cannabinoid molecules, as a class, hold great potential and we are working with Nemus to create re-engineered versions of those molecules to enhance the therapeutic profile of these compounds," stated Dr. Mahmoud ElSohly, professor at the National Center for Natural Products Research at the University of Mississippi. "Our shared vision is to further grow the library of cannabinoids currently being considered as therapeutic targets."

"Historically, CBD has shown promise as both an anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective agent in in vivo model systems of eye disease," stated Soumyajit Majumdar, PhD, Professor of Pharmaceutics and Drug Delivery and Associate Dean for Research in the School of Pharmacy at the university and lead scientist of the ophthalmology program. "Potential uses for this analog of CBD include uveitis and dry eye syndrome in the anterior compartment of the eye, and diabetic retinopathy and macular degeneration in the posterior compartment. We look forward to further formulation refinement of this molecule into a form that is optimized for development as a commercialized drug."

"With an evolving portfolio of proprietary cannabinoid-based candidates, Nemus intends to seek pharmaceutical corporate partners to co-develop these assets," stated Dr. Murphy. Our portfolio of candidates is designed to leverage the potential pleiotropic benefits of cannabinoids across a variety of conditions, including:

"We look forward to presenting this collection of data, as well as our anti-infective platform, at upcoming scientific meetings in 2017."

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This press release contains forward-looking statements, including statements about the potential benefits of NB1111, NB1222, NB2111, and NB2222 as well as the timing of our near term, intermediate term and long term goals. Such statements and other statements in this press release that are not descriptions of historical facts are forward-looking statements that are based on management's current expectations and assumptions and are subject to risks and uncertainties. If such risks or uncertainties materialize or such assumptions prove incorrect, our business, operating results, financial condition and stock price could be materially negatively affected. In some cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology including "goal," "focus," "aims," "believes," "can," "could," "challenge," "predictable," "will," or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology. We operate in a rapidly changing environment and new risks emerge from time to time. As a result, it is not possible for our management to predict all risks, nor can we assess the impact of all factors on our business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements the Company may make. Risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially include, among others, our capital resources, uncertainty regarding the results of future testing and development efforts and other risks that are described in the Risk Factors section of NEMUS's most recent annual or quarterly report filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Except as expressly required by law, NEMUS disclaims any intent or obligation to update these forward-looking statements.