Arena Pharmaceuticals posted positive Phase 1 data for APD371, its potential cannabinoid 2 (CB2) receptor pain drug.

The company’s goal was to assess the safety of APD371 in a series of ascending doses ranging from 50 milligrams to 200 milligrams through a randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled test on 36 healthy patients, according to the official announcement.

The drug is intended to relieve patients who experience pain, without inducing the psychotropic side effects associated with marijuana.

Results showed these drug levels, including the lowest dose, were above the amounts researchers believed were needed to stimulate CB2. Notable adverse events were headaches and nausea, but were classified as mild warranting further examination.

[pullquote]The drug is intended to relieve patients who experience pain, without inducing the psychotropic side effects associated with marijuana.[/pullquote]

FierceBiotech reported this is an important win for Arena as the firm ousted CEO and co-founder Jack Lief and cut 80 jobs as part of a corporate restructuring last fall.

Another factor that could speed this drug’s approval is that Arena hopes APD371’s ability to target the CB2 will limit the risk of abusing the compound.

Other companies exploring cannabinoid-based drugs include GW Pharmaceuticals. Last month, the firm posted results for experimental seizure treatment Epidiolex. The therapy successfully reduced seizures in patients suffering from a rare disease called Dravet syndrome.