City of Hope and Biopharmaceutical Research Company announce first patient has received BRC-001, a first-in-class cannabinoid therapeutic, in a clinical trial investigating supportive care in breast cancer

Researchers will evaluate whether the cannabinoid therapeutic candidate can address joint pain resulting from cancer treatment using aromatase inhibitors
This side effect has caused many breast cancer patients to discontinue treatment

LOS ANGELES and MONTEREY, Calif., Sept. 12, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — City of Hope^®, one of the largest cancer research and treatment organizations in the United States, and Biopharmaceutical Research Company (BRC), a specialty pharmaceutical company developing proprietary cannabinoid therapeutics, announced today that the first patient has received BRC-001, an experimental supportive care therapy for breast cancer patients. City of Hope researchers are evaluating whether this cannabinoid therapeutic candidate could address joint pain (arthralgia) that is often a side effect of aromatase inhibitors, a type of hormone therapy used to treat postmenopausal women with breast cancer.

Aromatase inhibitors such as letrozole, anastrozole or exemestane are prescribed as standard of care for postmenopausal women with estrogen-receptor positive breast cancer to decrease breast cancer recurrence and mortality. About half of patients who take aromatase inhibitors experience joint pain, and many of these patients report severe symptoms. A significant number of patients discontinue cancer treatment due to this side effect. Currently, there is no approved treatment for aromatase inhibitor-induced arthralgia (AIIA). Patients often use over-the-counter, anti-inflammatory medications and other treatment options with limited efficacy for short-term pain management.

“Cannabis-derived therapeutics are one of the most promising treatments to address underserved pain conditions. BRC has developed a proprietary therapy with unique properties to address joint pain in breast cancer patients taking aromatase inhibitors. We look forward to providing a therapy for these patients that allows them to complete a full course of treatment,” said George Hodgin, CEO and founder of BRC, the industry leader in federally compliant cannabinoid therapeutics development.

“This research to alleviate or eliminate side effects, such as joint pain, is part of City of Hope’s commitment to provide compassionate, individualized care,” said Lisa Yee, M.D., City of Hope professor of breast surgery and lead investigator of the trial. “We hope this work will yield innovative, FDA-approved therapies to help patients complete their lifesaving treatments.”

The clinical trial entitled “High Cannabidiol (CBD) Standardized Extract for Aromatase Inhibitor-Induced Arthralgia – A randomized controlled double blind clinical trial” is a randomized, placebo-controlled study at City of Hope’s Los Angeles cancer center. It is designed to assess the safety, tolerability and efficacy of a botanically derived proprietary formulation developed by BRC (BRC-001) when taken orally to address the symptoms of AIIA.

Yuman Fong, M.D., Sangiacomo Family Chair in Surgical Oncology at City of Hope, added, “Cannabis-derived medicines hold promise in alleviating symptoms of cancer and cancer therapy. They are potentially alternatives to opiates for pain relief, and alternatives to benzodiazepines for relief of anxiety and insomnia. We look forward to working with BRC in conducting trials to bring these medicines forward to help patients suffering from cancer.”

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 that involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions, including without limitation statements about the development, use, benefits and effects of Biopharmaceutical Research Company’s (BRC) therapeutic product candidate and related technology, future plans for the BRC’s business and growth, expected plans with respect to clinical trials, including the number of patients enrolled and timing of patient enrollment. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terms such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “expect,” “design,” “plan,” “anticipate,” “could,” “intend,” “target,” “project,” “contemplates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “predicts,” “potential” or “continue” or the negative of these terms or other similar expressions. Such statements and other statements in this press release that are not descriptions of historical facts are forward-looking statements that are based on management’s current expectations and assumptions and are subject to risks and uncertainties. If such risks or uncertainties materialize or such assumptions prove incorrect, our business, operating results, financial condition, and stock price could be materially negatively affected. Actual results and the timing of events could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements made herein speak only as of the date of this press release and, unless otherwise required by law, BRC does not undertake any obligation to publicly update such forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances.

About City of Hope

City of Hope’s mission is to make hope a reality for all touched by cancer and diabetes. Founded in 1913, City of Hope has grown into one of the largest and most advanced cancer research and treatment organizations in the U.S., and one of the leading research centers for diabetes and other life-threatening illnesses. City of Hope research has been the basis for numerous breakthrough cancer medicines, as well as human synthetic insulin and monoclonal antibodies. With an independent, National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center that is ranked top 5 in the nation for cancer care by U.S. News & World Report at its core, City of Hope’s uniquely integrated model spans cancer care, research and development, academics and training, and a broad philanthropy program that powers its work. City of Hope’s growing national system includes its Los Angeles campus, a network of clinical care locations across Southern California, a new cancer center in Orange County, California, and cancer treatment centers and outpatient facilities in the Atlanta, Chicago and Phoenix areas. City of Hope’s affiliated group of organizations includes Translational Genomics Research Institute and AccessHope™. For more information about City of Hope, follow us on Facebook, X, YouTube, Instagram and LinkedIn.

About Biopharmaceutical Research Company

Biopharmaceutical Research Company (BRC) is a specialty pharmaceutical company focused on developing proprietary cannabinoid therapeutics to address high unmet medical needs. BRC’s therapeutics are polymodal and contain major and minor cannabinoids at strictly defined and proprietary ratios. The company is developing a pipeline of treatments addressing pain and neurological and inflammatory conditions. BRC is registered with the Drug Enforcement Administration and is based in Monterey, CA.