Biotech company Avecho (ASX: AVE) has completed the development of its first generation TPM gummies containing cannabinoids and is all set to release them to Aussie consumers. TPM cannabinoid gummies out-perform standard products with faster onset and greater magnitude of effect. Gummies are chewable, jelly-like preparations made from a mixture of glycerin and gelatin, able to incorporate a range of medications or nutraceutical ingredients. And Avecho plans to sell them medicinally and otherwise.

Avecho CEO, Dr Paul Gavin, said, “The rapid onset was particularly exciting for us, as it demonstrated the ability of TPM® to enhance buccal drug absorption, which is drug absorption directly through the inside of the cheeks into the bloodstream. This route of administration avoids first pass metabolism, where drug is destroyed or converted during digestion.” 

While Avecho’s primary focus remains on developing pharmaceutical cannabinoid products, the introduction of these TPM gummies presents a unique opportunity in the North American consumer and recreational markets. Cannabinoid-infused edibles, including gummies, have gained significant traction among consumers in the United States and Canada, accounting for approximately 13% of the legal cannabis market with sales reaching an impressive $5.09 billion. As the market continues to mature and more younger shoppers come of legal age, gummies are projected to witness a surge in popularity. 

Gavin added, “We have always suspected TPM had the appropriate chemistry to promote buccal absorption but have not previously worked with a dosage form appropriate for this route of administration. A cannabinoid gummy with rapid onset would be uniquely positioned for a range of therapeutic indications, including pain, anxiety, and sleep. The Company is now in a strong position to enter discussions with local medicinal cannabis companies for the use of the gummy in the Australian medicinal market.”

Gummies shot to fame as an alternative to vaping or smoking was largely due to lack of associated respiratory issues. These gummies are also set to have numerous medicinal applications, including the treatment of neurological and psychiatric disorders, driving their popularity in North America. Gummies incorporating tetrahydrocannabinol (“THC”) are becoming increasingly dispensed for the management of pain. 

Both CBD and THC gummies have become major product categories in the North American consumer and recreational cannabis markets. 

Conventional edible forms of cannabinoids often exhibit less than ideal absorption, with onset times ranging from 30 to 120 minutes. This delay often leads patients and consumers to mistakenly assume that the initial dose has not taken effect, resulting in the consumption of additional gummies. However, this can lead to adverse effects once the cumulative amounts of THC are absorbed into the system.

Avecho harnessed the potential of TPM to improve cannabinoid absorption in their gummies. In collaboration with a top US firm, it identified specific TPM combinations that achieved effects within ten minutes, surpassing the strength of regular THC gummies while ensuring a more consistent experience.

Gavin said, “While the pharmaceutical market is our priority, the value of recreational gummies with better absorption for the North American market cannot be underestimated or ignored. While we won’t step into this space ourselves, we are already in discussions with third parties in North America interested to test samples of these products.” 

With the introduction of TPM gummies, Avecho has expanded its cannabinoid portfolio to include four different dosage forms: oral oils, oral soft-gel capsules, oral edibles, and topical gels.