Ontario-based Tetra Bio-Pharma Inc. and Panag Pharma Inc. announced Nov. 15 the submission of a clinical research application to the Veterinary Drugs Directorate at Health Canada for a first-of-a-kind veterinary study that will examine the use of a cannabinoid-based drug to treat ocular pain and inflammation in canines.

“Several companies are marketing cannabis-based treatments for aliments in companion animals, but there is a major gap in understanding the safety and efficacy of these drugs,” said Dr. Guy Chamberland, chief executive officer and chief scientific officer of Tetra Bio-Pharma. “This study demonstrates our commitment to becoming a world leader in the field of cannabinoid-based therapies for vision health. Tetra continues to adhere to an evidence-based drug development model, consistent with bringing novel, efficacious and safe drug products to market, including the veterinary market. We look forward to launching this trial to investigate the use of cannabinoids to treat eye pain and inflammation in dogs.”

In addition to the pharmaceutical and natural health product markets, Tetra Bio-Pharma said it will also launch trials in the companion animal market. If approved, the company said these products will be destined for global sales.

Tetra Bio-Pharma is a biopharmaceutical company involved in cannabinoid-based drug discovery and development with a Health Canada-approved and Food & Drug Administration-reviewed clinical program aimed at bringing novel prescription drugs and treatments to patients and their health care providers. The company has several subsidiaries engaged in the development of an advanced and growing pipeline of bio pharmaceuticals, natural health and veterinary products containing cannabis and other medicinal plant-based elements.