It wasn’t too long ago that I was in the shower, holding my squirming dog’s paws in a washing basket filled with an oatmeal concoction, whilst smearing peanut butter on the shower wall for her to lick.

Why, you ask? Because my baby gets itchy paws (and I’m a great dog mom).

Itchy paws and other dermatological issues are all too common in modern dogs and can be frustrating to treat. Steroid based medications have some not so great side effects and creams just get licked off.

Attempting to solve canine dermatological issues with cannabinoid-based medications is AusCann (ASX: AC8).

The Company has submitted the first module to the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Association (APVMA) marking the commencement of the registration process for DermaCann, their latest medication in development for anti-inflammatory and immune support in dogs with dermatological conditions.

The submission contained a 2,000 page document with data to support the safety and toxicology evaluation culminating over three years of research, including 8 independent toxicology studies completed across Hungary, Germany and the US.

If approved, DermaCann will become the world’s first regulatory approved oral cannabinoid-based veterinary product for skin health in dogs and the first APVMA-approved medicine containing cannabinoids that can be supplied via prescription through Australian vets.

The unique properties of DermaCann lead to activation of the endocannabinoid system and help to strengthen natural immune and anti-inflammatory responses.

In a randomised, placebo-controlled, double-blind study the medication was shown to be safe and effective in dogs diagnosed with atopic dermatitis.

The Company is undertaking further research with the University of Melbourne to add to the growing body of evidence supporting the medication’s efficacy.

The submission of the Toxicology data pack to the APVMA marks the first of four regulatory modules required for the regulatory approval. Other modules include safety, efficacy and manufacturing. Each of these are in the final stages of completion and once submitted, assessment by the APVMA is expected to take 18 months. AusCann hopes to see registration complete in Q4 2022.

The APVMA submission complements the Company’s previously announced submission for approval in South Africa and commercialisation plans for the medication in the US where, in some states, registration is not required for the sale of animal health products containing CBD.

Layton Mills, CEO of AusCann said: “Commencing the formal registration pathway with APVMA is consistent with AusCann’s objective of bringing safe, clinically developed and tested medicines for human and animal health to meet patients’ unmet health needs. We look forward to bringing this world-first product to veterinarians in Australia and other global markets.”

The global canine skin and dermatitis treatment market is worth US $1.5 billion globally and mostly comprises natural remedies and steroid based medications and creams.

A safe, clinically validated product to solve those itchy paws sounds much better than a peanut butter covered shower wall.