Zelira wins Gov tax refund for cannabinoid research

Biopharma company Zelira Therapeutics has been awarded a $1.2 million cash refund under the Government’s R&D Tax Incentive Scheme, for use on its cannabis-based medical research into autism.

The company is researching the use of cannabinoid-based medicines for treatment of medical conditions including insomnia, autism, and chronic noncancer pain.

Zelira generates revenue from its proprietary Autism drug “HOPE”, which it states help improve autism behaviours such as mood changes, hyperactivity, aggression, self-injury and meltdowns.

“Unlike conventional treatments, cannabinoid-based medicines can help alleviate the core symptoms of autism because they mimic the naturally occurring compounds in our body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS),” Zelira said.

“One such compound is called Anandamide, that our bodies make in response to stress or injury. Children with autism have lower concentrations of this chemical and can’t respond to the stress. If there’s a deficiency, suggesting a dysfunctional ECS, the pharmacologic potential of cannabinoids to treat the symptoms and comorbidities of autism is significant.”

Zelira states it has developed the world’s first clinically validated cannabinoid drug for treatment of chronic insomnia.

It is also recently completed a study targeting diabetic nerve pain, comparing its efficacy to Lyrica (Pregablin).