AND METHODS OF USING THE SAME

Field of the Invention

The invention relates to antimicrobial compositions comprising cannabinoid compounds and methods of utilizing the antimicrobial compositions to inhibit the growth of and/or kill microorganisms, to treat and/or prevent microbial infections.

Background of the Invention

The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared that antibiotic resistance is one of the biggest threats to global health, food security, and development today. The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that at a minimum there are 2,049,442 illnesses caused by antibiotic resistance resulting in 23,000 deaths annually.

Overuse of antibiotics is detrimental to the healthy intestinal microbiota, and can result in dysbiosis and microbial imbalances and overgrowths of pathogenic microbes such as Clostridium difficile (C. difficile). In 2015, the CDC estimated that nearly a half a million Americans suffered from C. difficile infections, which were directly responsible for 15,000 deaths and attributed to 29,000 total deaths (10).

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) published a report in 2013 listing the top 18 drug-resistant threats to the United States. This list is divided into urgent, serious, and concerning threat levels. Included in the urgent threat list are Clostridium difficile, carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae, and cephalosporin-resistant Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Included in the serious threat list are multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter, drug-resistant Campylobacter, fluconazole-resistant Candida, extended spectrum beta-lactamase producing enterobacteriaceae, vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus, multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa, drug-resistant non-typhoidal Salmonella, drug-resistant Salmonella typhi, drug- resistant Shigella, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, drug-resistant Streptococcus pneumonia, and drug-resistant tuberculosis. Included in the concerning threat list are vancomycin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, erythromycin-resistant Streptococcus group A, and clindamycin-resistant Streptococcus group B (9).

In February 2017, the WHO published a list of priority pathogens for research and development of new antibiotics. This list is divided into three main groups of critical, high, and medium priority. Included in the critical list are carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Enterobacteriacea. Included in the high priority list are vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium, methicillin-resistant and vancomycin intermediate and resistant Staphylococcus aureus, clarithromycin-resistant Helicobacter pylori, fluoroquinolone-resistant Campylobacter and Salmonella spp., and 3rd generation cephalosporin- resistant and fluoroquinolone-resistant Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Included in the medium priority list are penicillin-non-susceptible Streptococcus pneumoniae, ampicillin-resistant Haemophilus influenzae, and fluoroquinolone-resistant Shigella spp (15).

With the emergence of antimicrobial-resistance and the urgent threat to human health it represents, there is a critical need to develop novel antibiotics that are safe and effective. Van Klingern and Ten Ham observed that THC and CBD inhibited the growth of Staphlococcus aureus in the 1 ^g/ml range (13). It has been shown that Cannabis sativa indicus extracts were effective as an antimicrobial agent towards Clostridium perfringens (12). AN 2012 conducted antimicrobial testing of petroleum and alcohol extracts of cannabis. The extracts demonstrated activity against MRSA, but were ineffective against gram-negative bacteria and fungi (7). Appendino et al. 2008 published a structure-activity study comparing the structures of different cannabinoids for their ability to inhibit the growth of bacteria including MRSA (8).

To date, no evaluation of the antimicrobial activity of cannabinoids has been performed towards Clostridium difficile or Enterococcus faecium.

Summary of the Invention

The present invention provides antimicrobial compositions comprising cannabinoids and methods of using the same. In certain aspects of the present invention, there is provided a composition having antimicrobial activity comprising a cannabinoid compound or a prodrug that is metabolized to the cannabinoid compound. In certain embodiments, the cannabinoid compound is cannabidiol, tetrahydrocannabinol, or a prodrug that is metabolized to cannabidiol or tetrahydrocannabinol, optionally a glycoside of cannabidiol or tetrahydrocannabinol. The composition may be formulated for oral administration or topical administration. In certain embodiments, the composition comprises a further active ingredient selected from other cannabinoid compounds, other antimicrobial agents, anti-inflammatory agents, probiotics and combinations thereof. The antimicrobial activity may be against gram positive aerobic bacteria and/or anaerobic bacteria.

In other aspects of the present invention, there is provided a method of treating an infection comprising applying to a patient in need thereof at the site of infection an effective amount of a topical composition comprising an effective amount of a cannabidiol or tetrahydrocannabinol in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier for topical application. In certain embodiments, the infection is S. pyogenes infection.

In other aspects of the present invention, there is provided a method of treating microbial infections of the gastrointestinal tract, comprising oral administration of an effective amount of a cannabinoid compound. In certain embodiments, the cannabinoid compound is a glycoside of cannabidiol or tetrahydrocannabinol. In certain embodiments, the infection is a C. difficile infection; a methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infection or an E. faecalis infection.

In other aspects of the present invention, there is provided a method of inhibiting the growth of and/or killing microorganisms comprising administration of an effective amount of a cannabinoid compound. In certain embodiments, the microorganism is bacteria. In certain embodiments, the cannabinoid compound is cannabidiol or tetrahydrocannabinol.

Description of the Figures

These and other features of the invention will become more apparent in the following detailed description in which reference is made to the appended drawings.

Figure 1 A provides the chemical structures of VB102, VB106, VB1 10 and VB302.

Figure 1 B provides the chemical structures of glycosides of cannabidiol and A9-THC; wherein each R is independently H, mono, di or tri-glycosidic residue.

Figure 2A illustrates VB1 10 and CBD decoupling analysis of extracts from small intestinal contents. Figure 2B illustrates VB1 10 and CBD decoupling analysis of extracts from large intestinal contents.

Description of the Invention

The invention is based on the discovery that cannabinoid compounds inhibit the growth of and/or kill certain types of microorganisms. Accordingly, the present invention provides antimicrobial compositions comprising a cannabinoid compound alone or in combination with other agents and methods of utilizing the antimicrobial compositions to inhibit the growth of and/or kill microorganisms, to treat and/or prevent microbial infections. The cannabinoid compounds include any cannabinoid compound which has antimicrobial activity or prodrugs thereof. A worker skilled in the art would readily appreciate that antimicrobial agents may have broad spectrum antimicrobial activity {i.e. activity against a wide range of microorganisms including bacteria, yeast, and fungus), may have antibacterial activity {i.e. activity against bacteria only), or may have activity against a selection of specific microorganisms or a single microorganism. For example, the agent may be active against gram-positive bacteria or gram-negative bacteria, may be active against aerobic bacteria or anaerobic bacteria or may be active against a subset thereof, for example, the agent may be active against gram-positive aerobes or gram-positive anaerobes. In certain embodiments, the cannabinoid compound has antimicrobial activity against gram-positive bacteria. In specific embodiments, the cannabinoid compound has antimicrobial activity against gram-positive aerobic bacteria. In other specific embodiments, the cannabinoid compound has antimicrobial activity against gram-positive anaerobic bacteria.

Non-limiting examples of gram-positive aerobic bacteria include Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis, Streptococcus pneumonia and Streptococcus pyogenes. In certain embodiments, the cannabinoid compound has antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus. In specific embodiments, the cannabinoid compound has antimicrobial activity against methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA). In specific embodiments, the cannabinoid compound has antimicrobial activity against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). In certain embodiments, the cannabinoid compound has antimicrobial activity against Enterococcus faecalis. In specific embodiments, the cannabinoid compound has antimicrobial activity against vanomycin-sensitive Enterococcus faecalis (VSE). In specific embodiments, the cannabinoid compound has antimicrobial activity against vanomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecalis (VRE). In certain embodiments, the cannabinoid compound has antimicrobial activity against Streptococcus pneumonia. In certain embodiments, the cannabinoid compound has antimicrobial activity against Streptococcus pygenes.

Non-limiting examples of anaerobic bacteria include Clostridium difficile, Lactobacillus crispatus, Lactobacillus jensenii, Bifidobacterium bifidum, Bifidobacterium longum and Bacteroides fragilis. In certain embodiments, the cannabinoid compound has antimicrobial activity against Clostridium difficile. In certain embodiments, the cannabinoid compound has antimicrobial activity against Lactobacillus sp.. In certain embodiments, the cannabinoid compound has antimicrobial activity against Bifidobacterium sp..

Antimicrobial activity may be microcidal (kills the microorganism) and/or biostatic (inhibits the growth of the microorganism). Accordingly, in certain embodiments, the cannabinoid compound exhibits microcidal activity. In certain embodiments, the cannabinoid compound inhibits the growth of microorganisms. In certain embodiments, the cannabinoid compound has microcidal activity. In certain embodiments, the cannabinoid compound has microcidal activity and also inhibits the growth of microorganisms.

The term "cannabinoid compound" as used herein generally refers to compounds found in cannabis or which act on cannabinoid receptors and also includes prodrugs thereof. The cannabinoid compounds may be isolated from cannabis or may be synthetic.cannabinoid compounds. The cannabinoid compounds include, but are not limited to, cannabidiol (CBD), cannabidivarin (CBDV), cannabigerol (CBG), tetrahydrocannabinol (A9-THC or THC), cannabinol (CBN), cannabidiolic acid (CBDA), tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV), phytocannabinoids, endocannabinoids, and prodrugs thereof. In specific embodiments, the cannabinoid compound is cannabidiol. In specific embodiments, the cannabinoid compound is tetrahydrocannabinol.

The cannabinoid compounds may be in the form of a prodrug. A worker skilled in the art would readily appreciate that a prodrug is a compound which, upon administration, must undergo a chemical conversion by metabolic processes before becoming an active pharmacological agent (for example, have antimicrobial activity). Non-limiting examples of prodrugs include glycosides. In certain embodiments, the glycoside is a mono, di, tri or tetra-glycoside of the cannabinoid compound. The glucose residues of glycosides are commonly acid-hydrolyzed in the stomach or cleaved by glycosidase enzymes in the intestinal tract, including by alpha-glycosidases and beta- glycosidases, which are expressed by intestinal microflora across different regions of the intestine. Accordingly, glycosides are hydrolyzed upon ingestion to release the desired compound into the intestines or target tissues.

In certain embodiments, the cannabinoid compound is a cannabinoid glycoside prodrug which is capable of persisting in the acidic stomach environment upon oral administration and thereby allows for the delivery of the prodrug into the large intestine, where the cannabinoid aglycones can be liberated by glycosidases produced by colonic bacteria.

In certain embodiments, the cannabinoid compound is a glycoside of cannabidiol. In specific embodiments, the glycoside of cannabidiol is a mono, di, tri or tetra-glycoside of cannabidiol. In specific embodiments, the glycoside of cannabidiol has a structure set forth in Figure 1 A, wherein each R is independently H, mono, di or tri -glycosidic residue. In specific embodiments, the glycoside of cannabidiol has a structure selected from VB102, VB106 and VB1 10 set forth in Figure 1 B.

In certain embodiments, the cannabinoid compound is a glycoside of tetrahydrocannabinol. In specific embodiments, the glycoside of tetrahydrocannabinol is a mono, di, tri or tetra-glycoside of tetrahydrocannabinol. In specific embodiments, the glycoside of tetrahydrocannabinol has a structure as set forth in Figure 1 A, wherein each R is independently H, mono, di or tri-glycosidic residue. In specific embodiments, the glycoside of tetrahydrocannabinol has the structure of VB302 as set forth in Figure 1 B.

The present invention also provides methods of utilizing the antimicrobial compositions.

The antimicrobial compositions may be utilized to inhibit the growth of and/or kill microorganisms, and/or to treat and/or prevent microbial infections.

The antimicrobial compositions may be administered by various routes including but not limited to topical administration and oral administration. A person skilled in the art would readily appreciate that the cannabinoid compound used in the antimicrobial composition may be dependent on the administration route and microorganism. For example, such a person would readily appreciate that glycoside prodrugs are metabolized in the gastrointestinal tract for activity and as such may have optimal activity in oral drug formulations.

In certain embodiments, there is provided a method of treating a skin or wound infection comprising topically applying to a patient in need thereof at the site of infection an effective amount of a topical composition comprising an effective amount of a cannabinoid compound which has antimicrobial activity, including in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier for topical application. In specific embodiments, the cannabinoid compound is cannabidiol. In specific embodiments, the cannabinoid compound is tetrahydrocannabinol. Appropriate pharmaceutically acceptable carriers are known in the art. In specific embodiments, the topical composition is for treatment of a wound is infected with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus pyogenes.

In certain embodiments, there is provided a method of treating microbial infections of the gastrointestinal tract, comprising oral administration of an effective amount of a cannabinoid compound. The cannabinoid compound may be an active cannabinoid compound or a prodrug thereof. In specific embodiments, the cannabinoid compound is cannabidiol. In specific embodiments, the cannabinoid compound is a glycoside of cannabidiol. In specific embodiments, the glycoside of cannabidiol has a structure selected from structures set forth in Figure 1 A and 1 B. In specific embodiments, the cannabinoid compound is tetrahydrocannabinol or a glycoside of tetrahydrocannabinol. Optionally, the glycoside of tetrahydrocannabinol has a structure as set forth Figure 1 A or 1 B.

In certain embodiments, the microbial infection of the gastrointestinal tract is a Clostridium difficile infection. In certain embodiments, the microbial infection of the gastrointestinal tract is a Staphylococcus aureus infection, including but not limited to methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection. In certain embodiments, the microbial infection of the gastrointestinal tract is an Enterococcus faecalis infection, including but not limited to a vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecalis infection.

In certain embodiments, the compositions are used in methods of treating dysbiosis. In specific embodiments, the compositions are used in methods of treating dysbiosis of the gastrointestinal tract.

The cannabinoid compounds may have activities other than antimicrobial activities. For example, the compounds may have positive effects on the health of the skin or tissue epithelium, including the intestinal epithelium. For example, the compounds may exert anti-inflammatory effects.

In certain embodiments, the cannabinoid compound is inhibitory of harmful pathogens, and also has anti-inflammatory effects. In specific embodiments, the infection is a C. difficile infection and the compound is cannabidiol in the large intestine is inhibitory of harmful pathogens including C. difficile, and it also is anti-inflammatory, where it may help induce or maintain remission of colitis, which is often comorbid with C. difficile infections.

A person skilled in the art would appreciate that the compositions may include a single cannabinoid compound as the active ingredient or may further comprise other active ingredients including but not limited to other cannabinoid compounds, other antimicrobial agents, antiinflammatory agents, and/or probiotics.

The following examples illustrate embodiments of the invention but should not be viewed as limiting the scope of the invention.

Examples

Example 1 : Antimicrobial Activity of Cannabidiol and prodrugs thereof

Itemized Summary of Findings:

· CBD inhibits the growth of Clostridium difficile at 32μg/ml (IC50)

• CBD inhibits the growth of methilcillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) at 2μg/ml (IC50)

• CBD inhibits the growth of vancomycin resistant Enterococcus faecalis at 2 μg/ml (IC50)

• CBD inhibits the growth of Streptococcus pneumoniae at 4 μg/ml (IC50)

· CBD inhibits the growth of Bacterioides fragilis at 32μg/ml (IC50)

• CBD inhibits the growth of healthy intestinal bacteria including Lactobacillus crispatus, Lactobacillus jensenii, Bifidobacterium bifidum, Bifidobacterium longum ^g/ml, 64ug/ml, 2μg/ml, 32μg/ml IC50 values respectively). • CBD did not have any effect on the gram-negative pathogens Klebsiella, Pseudomonas, or Acinetobacter.

Introduction

The primary purpose of this study was to evaluate the in vitro susceptibility of a variety of clinically important microorganisms to cannabidiol (CBD), an active cannabinoid isolated from cannabis, and other cannabinoid prodrugs (VB104, VB1 10, and compounds listed in Table A). The in vitro activity of CBD and the cannabinoid prodrugs along with control agents (ciprofloxacin for aerobic bacteria, metronidazole for anaerobic bacteria, and amphotericin B for yeast/fungi) was determined by broth microdilution minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) testing conducted in accordance with guidelines from the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI; 1 , 2).

Materials and Methods

Test Compounds

The cannabinoid prodrug test agents were stored at -20 °C prior to testing. Prodrugs were supplied as powders. CBD was supplied by Cayman Chemical as a 10 mg/mL methanolic solution and was stored at -20^ after receipt. Prior to testing, using a 614 μΙ_ aliquot of the CBD methanolic solution, the methanol was dried off and the residual CBD was resuspended in 600 μΙ_ DMSO resulting in a 10.24 mg/mL solution. Stock solutions of comparator compounds were prepared on the day of testing using solvents recommended by CLSI. Stock solutions of all compounds were made at 40X the final testing concentration. Information regarding testing concentrations and drug diluent for the comparator and test agent is detailed in the table below.

Test Organisms

The test organisms evaluated in this study consisted of clinical isolates from the Micromyx Repository and reference isolates from the American Type Culture Collection (ATCC; Manassas, VA). Upon initial receipt, the organisms were sub-cultured onto an appropriate agar medium. Following incubation, colonies were harvested from these plates and cell suspensions prepared and frozen at -80°C with a cryoprotectant. Prior to testing, the isolates were streaked from frozen vials onto Trypticase Soy Agar with 5% sheep blood (BD; Sparks, MD; Lot No. 107682) for aerobic bacteria, Supplemented Brucella Agar (BD; Lot No.6168880) for anaerobic bacteria, and Sabouraud Dextrose Agar (BD; Lot No. 6265646) for yeast. Aerobic bacteria were incubated at 35°C overnight, anaerobic bacteria were incubated anaerobically at 35°C for 48 hr, and yeast were incubated at 35 °C for 48 hr. Aspergillus fumigatus was previously streaked on SDA and incubated at 35oC until spore formation occurred, followed by harvesting of the spores in sterile 0.85% saline and enumerating. Spore preparations were stored at 4°C. Test Medium

Mueller Hinton II broth (MHB II; BD; Lot No. 6258541 ) was used for MIC testing of aerobic organisms. For Streptococcus isolates, this medium was supplemented with 3% laked horse blood (LHB; Cleveland Scientific, Bath, OH; Lot No. 343287). MIC testing of anaerobic bacteria was performed with Brucella broth (BD; Lot No. 1297468) supplemented with hemin (Sigma, St. Louis, MO; Lot No. SLBC4685V), vitamin K1 (Sigma; Lot No. MHBX5269V), and 5% LHB. Yeast and fungi were tested in RPMI-1640 from Hyclone Laboratories (Logan, UT; Lot No. AZC984041 B) buffered with MOPs from Calbiochem (Billerica, MA; Lot No. 2730641 ).

Broth Microdilution MIC Methodology

MIC values were determined using a broth microdilution procedure described by CLSI (1 -

5). Automated liquid handlers (Multidrop 384, Labsystems, Helsinki, Finland; Biomek 2000 and Biomek FX, Beckman Coulter, Fullerton CA) were used to conduct serial dilutions and liquid transfers. To prepare the drug mother plates, which would provide the serial drug dilutions for the replicate daughter plates, the wells of columns 2-12 of standard 96-well microdilution plates (Costar 3795) were filled with 150 μΙ of the designated diluent for each row of drug. The test articles and comparator compounds (300 μΙ at 40X the highest concentration to be tested) were dispensed into the appropriate wells in column 1 . The Biomek 2000 was then used to make 2-fold serial dilutions in the mother plates from column 1 through column 1 1 . The wells of Column 12 contained no drug and served as the organism growth control wells for the assay. The daughter plates were loaded with 185 μΙ_ per well of the appropriate test medium for the tested organism using the Multidrop 384. The daughter plates were completed on the Biomek FX instrument which transferred 5μΙ_ of drug solution from each well of a mother plate to the corresponding well of each daughter plate in a single step. Daughter plates for the testing of anaerobes were allowed to pre- reduce in the Bactron II anaerobe chamber for 2 hr prior to inoculation.

A standardized inoculum of each test organism was prepared per CLSI methods (1 -5). The inoculum for each organism was dispensed into sterile reservoirs divided by length (Beckman Coulter), and the Biomek 2000 was used to inoculate the plates. Daughter plates were placed on the Biomek 2000 work surface reversed so that inoculation took place from low to high drug concentration. The plates were then inoculated with 10 μΙ_ of the inoculum resulting in a final concentration of approximately 5 x 10 5 CFU/mL (bacteria), 0.5 to 2.5 x 10 3 CFU/mL (yeast), and 0.2 to 2.5 x 10 4 CFU/mL (filamentous fungi) per well.

Plates were stacked 3-4 high, covered with a lid on the top plate, placed in plastic bags, and incubated at 35°C for approximately 16 to 20 hr (aerobes), 20 to 24 hr (Streptococcus), and 24 and 48 hr (fungi). Anaerobe plates were stacked, covered with a lid on the top plate, placed in a BD GasPak EZ Anaerobe Container System and incubated at 35^ for 48 hr. Following incubation, the microplates were removed from the incubator and viewed from the bottom using a plate viewer. For each of the test media and each drug, an un-inoculated solubility control plate was observed for evidence of drug precipitation. The MIC was read and recorded as the lowest concentration of drug that inhibited visible growth of the organism.

Results and Discussion

Compound precipitation observed with the uninoculated solubility controls is summarized in the following table.

NA = not applicable(no precipitation observed); TRP = trace precipitate; DCP = distinct precipitate

Trace precipitation was noted for other compounds in various test medium, but in no instance did trace precipitation interfere with the reading of the MIC. The activity of CBD, the cannabinoid prodrugs, and control agents are shown in the tables below. Results for the control agents (ciprofloxacin, metronidazole, and amphotericin B) were all within the established CLSI QC ranges (2, 6) for the respective agents and quality control organisms.

A pro-drug must typically undergo a chemical conversion by metabolic processes before becoming an active pharmacological agent. Accordingly, the cannabinoid prodrugs (prior to chemical conversion to cannabidiol) were inactive towards gram-positive and -negative aerobic bacteria, CBD was active against gram-positive aerobes but was inactive against gram-negative aerobes. Ciprofloxacin activity was as expected for a broad spectrum anti-bacterial agent, with resistance apparent for the evaluated MRSA, VRE, and KPC-2 isolates where fluoroquinolone- resistance is commonly encountered.

Activity of cannabinoid prodrugs, cannabidiol (CBD), and ciprofloxacin against aerobic bacteria

MSSA = methicillin-susceptible S. aureus; MRSA = methicillin-resistant S. aureus; VSE vancomycin-susceptible enterococci; VRE = vancomycin-resistant enterococci; KPC-2 Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemase-positive

¹ CLSI QC range shown in parenthesis

As shown in the table below, CBD was active with MICs from 2 - 64 μg/mL. Metronidazole was active against all organisms with the exception of the evaluated Lactobacillus spp., which is consistent with the anticipated activity for these isolates. Activity of cannabinoid prodrugs, cannabidiol (CBD), and metronidazole against anaerobic bacteria

¹ CLSI QC range shown in parenthesis

Neither the cannabinoid prodrugs or CBD were active against the evaluated yeast and fungal isolates though it is important to note that some inhibition of growth (50% relative to the growth control) was apparent with VB304 at 24 hr against C. parapsilosis at the highest test concentration (256 Mg/mL) and for VB1 10 at 24 and 48 hr against C. parapsilosis at concentrations > 16 g/mL. Amphotericin B had the expected activity against both test isolates. Activity of cannabinoid prodrugs, cannabidiol (CBD), and amphotericin B against yeast and fungi

1 50% inhibition observed at 256 μςΛηΙ. relative to the growth control

² 50% inhibition observed at > 16 μςΛηΙ. relative to the growth control

3 CLSI QC ranges shown in parenthesis

In summary, CBD was active against gram-positive aerobic bacteria (S. aureus, E. faecalis, S.pneumoniae, and S. pyogenes) and both obligate and facultative anaerobes (C. difficile, B. fragilis, Bifidobacterium spp., and Lactobacillus spp.), but not gram-negative aerobic bacteria or yeast and fungi. The cannabinoid prodrugs had no in vitro activity against any of the evaluated microorganisms, though some inhibitory activity against the tested yeast isolate was noted for VB1 10.

As shown in the following examples, the cannabinoid prodrugs are metabolized in the large intestine to release active compound. Accordingly, a person skilled in the art would expect these prodrugs to have antimicrobial activity following oral administration.

Example 2: Bioavailability Assay

In order to investigate the effectiveness of glycosylation to effect site-specific drug delivery, VB1 10 was administered to three mice by oral gavage and the animals sacrificed at 30, 60, and 90 minutes. Eight-week old male Swiss mice were fasted for 12 hours prior to administration of 120mg/kg VB1 10 in 10% Ethanol USP, 10% Propylene Glycol USP, 0.05% Sodium Deoxycholate USP, 79.95% Saline USP. Following termination and tissue harvest, the intestinal contents were then extracted and analyzed by C18 reverse phase HPLC. As shown in Figure 2A, the small intestinal contents showed intact VB1 10, but no decoupled CBD. As shown in Figure 2B, the large intestinal contents contained both VB1 10 and CBD in the 60 and 90 minute time points. This decoupling of VB1 10 is consistent with the large intestinal decoupling seen for sennoside beta-glycosides and is the result of secreted beta-glycosidases from the large intestinal microflora.

Example 3: Analysis of Large Intestine Contents Upon Administration of CBD and CBD Glycosides

In order to investigate the metabolism and decoupling of CBD-glycosides in the large intestine, an aqueous solution of a mixture of CBD-glycosides was administered to a mouse by oral gavage. As a control, a solution of CBD in cremophor, ethanol, and saline was administered to a second mouse. The animals were each sacrificed at 2 hours. Following termination and tissue harvest, the intestinal contents were then extracted and analyzed by C18 reverse phase HPLC. The mice employed in this example were eight week old male Swiss mice fasted for 12 hours prior to administration of the solutions.

The resulting extracts were analyzed by LCMS performed using a Shimadzu LC-MS 2010 EV. Electrospray ionization (ESI) was performed in negative mode. The column was a Silia Chrom XDB C18 5um, 150A, 4.6X50 mm. The method was 12 min 5 to 95 H ₂ 0:ACN. Acetic acid and formic acid were used as sample additives during analysis, and the injection volume was 20 μΙ.

Analysis of the large intestinal contents of animals administered a mixture of oral CBD- glycosides indicated that both aglycone and glycosides were present, along with hydroxy metabolites of each:

[CBD - H], [2CBD - H] and [CBD*20H + Formic acid - H] MS data: LC/ESI-LRMS. [M - H] (C21 H29O2) Calcd: m/z = 313. Found: m/z = 313. [2M - H] ^" (C42H59O4) Calcd: m/z = 627. Found: m/z = 627. [IVkoH + Formic acid - H] ^" (C22H31 O6 ) Calcd: m/z = 391 . Found: m/z = 391 .

[CBDgl - H], [CBDgl + CI] and [2CBDg1 - H] MS data: LC/ESI-LRMS. [M _g i - H] (C27H39O7) Calcd: m/z = 475. Found: m/z = 475. [M _g i + CI] ^" (C27H40O7CI) Calcd: m/z = 51 1 . Found: m/z = 51 1 .

[2M _g i - H]- (C54H79O14) Calcd: m/z = 951 . Found: m/z = 951 .

[CBDg2 - H] and [CBDg2 + Acetic acid - H] MS data: LC/ESI-LRMS. [M _g2 - H] (C33H49O12) Calcd: m/z = 637. Found: m/z = 637. [M _g2 + Acetic acid - H] ^_ (C35H53O14 ^" ) Calcd: m/z = 697. Found: m/z = 697.

[CBDg3 - H], [CBDg3*OH - H] and [CBDg3*OH - 2H] MS data: LC/ESI-LRMS. [M _g3 - H] (C39H59O17) Calcd: m/z = 799. Found: m/z = 799. [M _g3O H - H] ^" (C39H59O18) Calcd: m/z = 815. Found: m/z = 815. [M _g3O H - 2H]- ² (C39H ₅₈ Oi8) Calcd: m/z = 407. Found: m/z = 407.

Analysis of the large intestinal contents of animals administered oral CBD indicated that hydroxy [CBD*20H + Formic acid - H] and [2CBD*30H + Acetic acid - H] MS data: LC/ESI-LRMS. [M *2OH + Formic acid— H] ^~ (C22H31O6 ^" ) Calcd: m/z = 391 . Found: m/z = 391 . [2M*3OH + Acetic acid - H]- (C ₄ 4H ₆₃ 0i2 ^" ) Calcd: m/z = 783.9. Found: m/z = 784.

The plasma and brains from the same animals were also extracted and analyzed by HPLC for the presence of CBD-glycosides and CBD. CBD was only present in the control animal that received CBD aglycone (data not shown). The contents of the small intestines from the same animals were also extracted and analyzed by HPLC for the presence of CBD-glycosides and CBD, but no CBD aglycone was present in the small intestines (data not shown). The presence of the CBD aglycone in the large intestinal contents indicates the successful delivery of CBD- glycosides, and the subsequent hydrolysis of the glycosides by beta-glycosidase enzymes only present in the large intestine. The presence of decoupled CBD in the large intestine, but not in the small intestine, indicates that glycoside decoupling only occurs upon transit to the large intestine. The presence of CBD detoxification metabolite CBD-20H is also consistent with delivery of CBD and absorption into the intestinal epithelium where CBD begins to be metabolized. This example illustrates the potential to administer CBD-glycosides, safely transit the CBD-glycosides through the small intestine without absorption, transit to the large intestine where the sugars can be decoupled to release CBD locally, avoiding systemic absorption and delivery of the CBD to other tissues where it can have unwanted effects. Example 4: In Vitro Activity of Cannabidiol and Tetrahydrocannabinol Against a Diverse Array of Microbes Including Aerobic and Anaerobic Bacteria, Yeast, and Fungi

INTRODUCTION

The antimicrobial activity of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) was evaluated. The following example describes determining the Minimal Inhibitory Concentration (Mg/mL) of these two compounds using industry-accepted protocols published by the Clinical Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI; 1 -6). In order to evaluate the spectrum of antimicrobial activity, these compounds were tested against aerobic bacteria, anaerobic bacteria, yeast, and fungi. Each compound was tested alone and in combination as described below.

METHODS

Test Compounds and Comparators The tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) were stored at -20 ^° C prior to testing. The compounds were supplied in methanol at 10 mg/mL (CBD) or 1 mg/mL (THC). Stock solutions of each compound were prepared by drying the methanol suspension and resuspending in DMSO to provide an 80X stock. The comparator drugs ciprofloxacin, metronidazole, and amphotericin B were provided by Micromyx. Stock solutions of the comparators were prepared at 40X on the day of testing and allowed to stand for at least 1 hr prior to use to auto-sterilize. Solvent, and working stock concentrations were as follows:

Test Organisms

The test organisms for the assay were clinical isolates from the Micromyx repository or reference strains acquired from the American Type Culture Collection (ATCC, Manassas, VA). Upon receipt, the isolates were streaked onto the appropriate agar plates and incubated at optimal conditions for growth. Colonies were harvested from these plates and a cell suspension was prepared in the appropriate media containing cryoprotectant. Aliquots were then frozen at -80 °C. Prior to the assay, the isolates were streaked for isolation from frozen stocks onto the appropriate agar plates and incubated at optimal conditions for growth.

Test Media

The media employed for testing the isolates was Mueller Hinton Broth (MHB II; BD; Lot No. 5257869) for aerobic organisms. For streptococci, this medium was supplemented with 3% laked horse blood (LHB; Cleveland Scientific, Bath, OH; Lot No. 369595). MIC testing of anaerobic bacteria was performed with Brucella broth (BD; Lot No. 6155858) supplemented with hemin (Sigma, St. Louis, MO; Lot No. SLB46854), vitamin K1 (Sigma; Lot No. MKBN5958V) and 5% LHB. Yeast and fungi were tested in RPMI 1640 (Hyclone Laboratories, Logan, UT; Lot No. AZC184041 A) buffered with MOPS from Calbiochem (Billerica, MA; Lot No. 2875157).

All the above media was prepared/stored according to guidelines from the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI;1 -5).

Broth Microdilution MIC Testing

MIC values were determined using the broth microdilution method as recommended by CLSI (1 -5). Automated liquid handlers (Multidrop 384, Labsystems, Helsinki, Finland; Biomek 2000 and Biomek FX, Beckman Coulter, Fullerton CA) were used to conduct serial dilutions and liquid transfers.

To prepare the drug mother plates, which would provide the serial drug dilutions for the replicate daughter plates, the wells of a standard 96-well microdilution plate (Costar 3795, Corning Inc., Corning, NY) were filled with 150 μΙ_ of the designated diluent in columns 2-12. The wells of column 1 were filled with either 300 μΙ_ of 40X of the appropriate compound or 150 μΙ_ of either 40X or 80X of the test articles to make final concentrations of the combinations as shown below. A 150 μΙ_ volume of solution was transferred from the wells in Column 1 to make ten subsequent 2-fold serial dilutions from columns 2-1 1 . The wells of Column 12 contained no drug and ultimately served as the organism growth control wells. For the test articles, this resulted in the following dilutions and concentrations in each row of the respective mother plates: Mother Plate 1

Mother Plate 2

The daughter plates were loaded with 185 μΙ_ per well of the appropriate test medium for the tested organism. They were then completed with a transfer of 5 μΙ_ of drug solution from each well of the mother plate to the corresponding well of each daughter plate in a single step. Daughter plates used for testing of anaerobes were allowed to pre-reduce in anaerobe boxes for at least 2 hr prior to inoculation.

A standardized inoculum of each organism was prepared per CLSI methods (1 -5). Suspensions were prepared in sterile saline to equal the turbidity of a 0.5 McFarland standard, diluted in appropriate media per CLSI recommendations, and transferred to compartments of sterile reservoirs divided by width (Beckman Coulter). The Biomek 2000 (Beckman Coulter, Fullerton CA) was used to inoculate all. Daughter plates for the organisms were placed on the Biomek 2000 in reverse orientation. The Biomek 2000 delivered 10 μΐ of standardized inoculum into each well of the appropriate plate resulting in a final concentration of approximately 5 x 10 ⁵ CFU/mL (bacteria), 0.5 to 2.5 x 10 ³ CFU/mL (yeast), and 0.2 to 2.5 x 10 ⁴ CFU/mL (filamentous fungi) per well.

Plates were stacked 3-4 high, covered with a lid on the top plate and incubated according to CLSI methodology. Aerobes were incubated for approximately 16-20 hr, Streptococcus for 20- 24 hr, and anaerobes, yeast, and fungi for 24-48 hr. After incubation, plates were viewed from the bottom using a plate viewer.

Un-inoculated solubility control plates for each test media and drug were incubated in parallel with test plates and observed for evidence of drug precipitation. MICs were read where visible growth of the organism was inhibited.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Compound precipitation observed with the uninoculated solubility controls is summarized in the table below.

Compound precipitation observed with the uninoculated solubility controls

None = (no precipitation observed); TRP = trace precipitate; DCP = distinct precipitate Distinct or trace precipitation at the highest test concentration (128 μg mL) was observed for THC, THC/CBD 1 :1 , and THC/CBD 1 :2 in MHB II without blood, RPMI, and Brucella broth. However, the nature of the precipitate permitted reading growth of the organisms through 128 μg/mL.

The activity of CBD, THC, and the control agents are shown in the tables below. Results for the control agents (ciprofloxacin, metronidazole, and amphotericin B) were all within the established CLSI QC ranges (2, 6) for the respective agents and quality control organisms.

Against Gram-positive and -negative aerobic bacteria, CBD and THC tested alone were active against Gram-positive aerobes with MIC values of 1 -4 μg/mL, but were inactive against Gram-negative aerobes. The MIC values for CBD were similar to those observed in a previous study. Ciprofloxacin activity was as expected for a broad spectrum anti-bacterial agent, with resistance apparent for the evaluated MRSA, VRE, and KPC-2 isolates where fluoroquinolone- resistance is commonly encountered.

As shown in the table below, THC and CBD displayed similar activity against the evaluated anaerobes, with MICs from 16->128 μg/mL (THC) and 8 ->128 μg/mL (CBD). MIC values for CBD were within 2-fold of a previous study, with the exceptions of B. bifidum where the previous MIC was 2 μg/mL and B. fragilis where the previous MIC was 32 μg/mL. Metronidazole was active against all organisms with the exception of the evaluated Lactobacillus spp. which is consistent with the anticipated activity for these isolates.

Combinations of THC and CBD did not display enhanced anti-microbial activity against evaluated microbes. This suggests that CBD and THC are functional analogs, and the antimicrobial activity is based on their hydrophobicity and affinity for the cell membranes.

Neither THC nor CBD were active against the evaluated yeast and fungal isolates. Amphotericin B had the expected activity against both test isolates.

In summary, CBD and THC were active against Gram-positive aerobic bacteria (S. aureus, E. faecalis, S. pneumoniae, and S. pyogenes) and both obligate and facultative anaerobes (C. difficile, Bifidobacterium spp., and Lactobacillus spp.), but not Gram-negative aerobic bacteria, yeast, and fungi. Activity of THC, CBD, and THC:CBD combinations against aerobic bacteria.

MSSA = met icillin-susceptible S. aureus; MRSA = met icillin-resistant S. aureus; VSE = vancomycin-susceptible enterococci; VRE = vancomycin-resistant enterococci; KPC-2 = Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemase-positive

1 CLSI QC range shown in parenthesis

Activity of THC, CBD, and THC:CBD combinations against anaerobic bacteria

¹ CLSI QC range shown in parenthesis

Activity of THC, CBD, and THC:CBD combinations against fungi.

¹ 50% inhibition observed at XXX μςΛηΙ. relative to the growth control

² 50% inhibition observed at XXX μg/mL· relative to the growth control

³ CLSI QC ranges shown in parenthesis

Example 5: Determination of Minimal Inhibitory Concentration ( g/mL) and Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) of Cannabidiol and Tetrahydrocannabinol for a Variety of Aerobic and Anaerobic Bacteria

The test agents (THC and CBD) were be dried and resuspended in 100% DMSO as described above. MIC/MBC testing utilized a drug concentration range of 128 - 0.12 Mg mL. For aerobic organisms only, imipenem was tested using a concentration range of 8 - 0.008 Mg mL to serve as a quality control drug for MIC testing (MBC testing for imipenem was conducted for E. coli ATCC 25922 as a quality control MBC test). For anaerobic testing, metronidazole was tested as the quality control antibiotic for MIC testing using a concentration range of 32 - 0.03 Mg/mL (no MBC testing). In all 96-well plates, the twelfth well of each row did not contain drug and will serve as the positive growth control.

The broth microdilution MIC methodology followed the procedures described by the Clinical Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) and employed automated liquid handlers to conduct serial dilutions and liquid transfers. Following incubation, the microplates were removed from the incubator and viewed from the bottom using a Scienceware plate reader. The solubility control plate was observed for evidence of drug precipitation. The MIC was read and recorded as the lowest concentration of drug that inhibited visible growth of the organism.

The MBC was evaluated for THC and CBD only, in parallel with the MIC in accordance with CLSI guidelines. After determining the MIC, concentrations or wells at the MIC and up to 3 dilutions above the MIC were be sampled and plated to determine viable bacteria. Ten microliter aliquots were spotted in duplicate for each concentration/well sampled (the MIC and three wells above the MIC). The MBC was determined based on a pre-determined threshold which indicates a 99.9% decrease in viable bacteria post-incubation relative to the inoculum.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

As detailed in the table below CBD and THC exhibit antimicrobial activity and are overall biocidal against the strains tested.

1 CLSI QC range shown in parenthesis

3 MBC:MIC ratios of 1 -4 are indicative of bactericidal activity. Control Agents

ID: indeterminate, NT: not tested, NA: not applicable

1 CLSI QC range shown in parenthesis

3 MBC:MIC ratios of 1 -4 are indicative of bactericidal activity.

Other embodiments and uses of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the invention disclosed herein. All references cited herein, including all publications, U.S. and foreign patents and patent applications, are specifically and entirely incorporated by reference. It is intended that the specification and examples be considered exemplary only with the true scope and spirit of the invention indicated by the following claims. Furthermore, the term "comprising of" includes the terms "consisting of" and "consisting essentially of." REFERENCES

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