A Phase I Trial to Determine the Pharmacokinetics, Psychotropic Effects, and Safety Profile of a Novel Nanoparticle-Based Cannabinoid Spray for Oromucosal Delivery

Introduction: A phase I, open-label clinical trial in healthy male subjects was conducted to assess the pharmacokinetic and safety profile of an oromucosal cannabinoid spray (AP701) containing a lipid-based nanoparticular drug formulation standardized to ∆-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Methods: Twelve healthy male subjects received a single dose of AP701 (12 sprays) containing 3.96 mg THC. Plasma samples were drawn 10 min–30 h post dose for analysis of THC and the active metabolite 11-hydroxy-∆-9-THC (11-OH-THC). Results: The single dose of the applied oromucosal cannabinoid spray AP701 (12 sprays, 3.96 mg THC) resulted in a mean maximum plasma concentration (Cmax) of 2.23 ng/mL (90% CI 1.22–3.24) and a mean overall exposure (area under the concentration-time curve from time 0 to last measurable concentration [AUC0–t]) of 7.74 h × ng/mL (90% CI 5.03–10.45) for THC. For the active metabolite 11-OH-THC, a Cmax of 2.09 mg/mL (90% CI 1.50–2.68) and AUC0–t of 10.4 h × ng/mL (90% CI 7.03–13.77) was found. The oromucosal cannabinoid spray AP701 caused only minor psychotropic effects despite the relatively high dosage applied by healthy subjects. No serious adverse effects occurred. Overall, the oromucosal cannabinoid spray AP701 was well tolerated. Conclusion: Compared to currently available drugs on the market, higher AUC values could be detected for the oromucosal cannabinoid spray AP701 despite administration of a lower dose. These comparatively higher blood levels caused only minor psychotropic adverse effects. The oromucosal cannabinoid spray AP701 was well tolerated at a single dose of 3.96 mg THC. The oromucosal administration may provide an easily applicable and titratable drug formulation with a high safety and tolerability profile.