FL firm wins patent for synthetic cannabis-based therapy

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A Florida biopharmaceutical company said it has been awarded the first U.S. patent for the commercial development of synthetic cannabis-based medical treatments.

Tampa-based Teewinot Life Sciences, formerly known as CBC Biotechnologies, said in a news release the patent – U.S. Patent No. 9,359,625 – claims a biosynthetic process for manufacturing the cannabinoids THCA, CBDA and CBCA.

The company said its synthetic production method is faster than plant cultivation, does less environmental damage and results in a purer cannabinoids.

“Our use of synthetic biology represents a significant advancement from current plant extraction and chemical synthesis methods,” Jeff Korentur, Teewinot’s CEO, said in the news release.

“We are seeking partners interested in using the cannabinoids, cannabinoid pro-drugs, and cannabinoid analogs we manufacture in research and clinical trials to fill critical gaps in current and future pharmaceutical offerings.”

The patent is owned by Teewinot’s wholly owned Irish subsidiary, Full Spectrum Laboratories Ltd.

Teewinot received a $7.4 million venture capital infusion in March, according to the Tampa Bay Business Journal.