NEMUS Bioscience Identifies Unique Cannabidiol (CBD) Derivative As A Lead Candidate In Its Neuropathy-Related Pain Management Program

COSTA MESA, CA--(Marketwired - June 02, 2016) - NEMUS Bioscience, Inc. (OTCQB: NMUS) has announced, in conjunction with the company’s research and commercialization partner, the University of Mississippi (UM or the University), the identification of a unique cannabidiol (CBD) derivative possessing analgesic properties, that will be advanced through Investigational New Drug (IND)-enabling studies for the treatment of pain disorders, especially those related to neuropathy.

In December of 2015, NEMUS announced that the company had in-licensed a number of CBD derivatives from UM. Since that time, NEMUS and the University have been conducting research to assess the biologic activity, bioavailability, and pharmacokinetics of leading CBD derivative candidates for commercialization.

“Research conducted at UM, under the joint supervision of faculty members Mahmoud ElSohly and Kenneth Sufka, has identified a lead CBD derivative candidate for further developmental advancement,” reports Brian Murphy, MD, MBA, the CEO and CMO of NEMUS. “In vitro and in vivo testing of the molecule, particularly in a rodent model of tactile allodynia induced by cisplatin, revealed significant analgesic effect provided by our lead CBD-like molecule, commensurate with that provided by high-dose morphine. The ability to develop a family of cannabinoid-based molecules for pain management could allow for significant therapeutic alternatives, especially in the current opioid abuse crisis.”

Dr. Mahmoud ElSohly, professor at the National Center for Natural Products Research at the University of Mississippi, commented: “The University has conducted cannabinoid research for more than four decades and our relationship with NEMUS enables us to unlock the commercialization potential of our library of compounds to treat and manage a spectrum of diseases. We are eager to further the scope of our research utilizing other cannabinoid derivatives in our portfolio in an effort to alter the pathology of chronic diseases as well as acute infectious processes.”

Dr. Kenneth J. Sufka, professor of Psychology and Pharmacology and Research Professor with the National Center for Natural Products Research at UM, noted, “Our research has examined multiple routes of administration, including parenteral and non-parenteral means. Our team expects to present this data at a future medical conference. Moving forward, we plan to further explore topical and buccal patch methods of delivery in our next phase of testing, as this formulation has exhibited superior absorption over CBD itself, leading to half-life enhancement.”

Dr. Murphy concluded, “The global pain management market is expected to exceed $35 billion by 2017 (GBI Research) fueled by an increased incidence of cancer-related pain as populations age and neuropathic pain management owing to the obesity and diabetic epidemics in developed countries. NEMUS expects this CBD-like molecule will be initially developed for use in chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN), complementing our THC-prodrug being developed for chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV). Together, these programs form the basis of our palliative-care treatment initiatives, with our goal to begin early human testing later this year.”

ABOUT NEMUS BIOSCIENCE, INC.

The Company is a biopharmaceutical company, headquartered in Costa Mesa, California, focused on the discovery, development, and commercialization of cannabinoid-based therapeutics for significant unmet medical needs in global markets. Utilizing certain proprietary technology licensed from the University of Mississippi, NEMUS is working to develop novel ways to deliver cannabinoid-based drugs for specific indications, with the aim of optimizing the clinical effects of such drugs, while limiting the potential adverse events. NEMUS’ strategy will explore the use of natural and synthetic compounds, alone or in combination. The Company is led by a highly qualified team of executives with decades of biopharmaceutical experience and significant background in early-stage drug development.

For more information, visit http://www.nemusbioscience.com

FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS

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, including statements about the potential benefits of cannabinoid-based medicine and the timing of our near term, intermediate term and long term goals. 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,” “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, uncertainty regarding the results of future testing and development efforts and other risks that are described in the Risk Factors section of NEMUS’ 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.