dsm-firmenich partners with Zerion Pharma a/s to unlock superior patient-centric cannabinoid formulations

Kaiseraugst (Switzerland), Heerlen (Netherlands)

dsm-firmenich, innovators in health, nutrition and beauty, today announces its exclusive partnership with ZERION Pharma A/S (“ZERION”) to unlock a new era in cannabinoid innovation that champions patient-centric formulations. The partnership grants dsm-firmenich global access to ZERION A/S’s unique, cutting-edge Dispersome® technology, developed with the aim of significantly increasing the bioavailability of oral cannabidiol (CBD) compared to commercially available CBD oils. Not only will the collaboration inspire a new generation of patient-first cannabinoid therapies, but it also enhances dsm-firmenich’s unrivalled end-to-end capabilities in the promising cannabinoid space. 

The limited oral bioavailability of cannabinoid molecules, like CBD, is a known barrier to unlocking their full potential. The new partnership between dsm-firmenich and ZERION A/S is set to change that by granting dsm-firmenich’s renowned formulation expert center exclusive access to ZERION A/S’s cutting-edge Dispersome® technology. The IP-protected technology has enabled the creation of CBD formulations with three to four times higher drug loading compared to existing commercial products.

Dr. Zdravka Misic, Innovation Manager dsm-firmenich, remarks: “From the very beginning of our cannabinoid journey, the patient has always been front of mind. At present, too many patients have to administer large volumes of CBD in oil to achieve a positive therapeutic outcome. However, with our formulation expertise and ZERION A/S’s innovative technology, we have been able to achieve an optimal balance between API loading, physical and chemical stability and CBD pharmacokinetic profile – and thus enhance the applicability of the molecule towards more patient-centric solutions.”

Kelsey Achenbach, Senior Director Pharma and Medical Nutrition, dsm-firmenich, comments: “We’re passionate about overcoming hurdles to innovation in the cannabinoid space and are constantly looking for new opportunities to inspire the next ground-breaking therapy. Our partnership with ZERION A/S is the latest pillar in a vast ecosystem of important partnerships, selected to elevate our offering in the pharmaceutical cannabinoid market. Backed by strong collaborations, like ZERION A/S and Brains Bioceutical, manufacturer of high-quality pharma-grade cannabinoids, we can support customers at every stage of the drug development journey. Looking forward, we will continue to expand our unique network of partnerships to advance cannabinoid research and ultimately increase access to more patient-centric therapies worldwide.”

dsm-firmenich has confirmed plans for a pharmacokinetic study starting 2024, to evaluate the bioavailability of its new, THC-free, GMP-certified, pharma-grade CBD formulations, developed using the Dispersome® technology in patients. Ultimately, the company’s next generation CBD formulation has the potential to open up opportunities for new clinical investigations across a number of therapeutic areas, including central nervous system (CNS) diseases, pain disorders, mood disorders, brain health, cancer and more – where cannabinoids are already demonstrating significant potential. 

You can learn more about dsm-firmenich’s next-generation active cannabinoid ingredients and formulations here.

About dsm-firmenich

As innovators in nutrition, health, and beauty, dsm-firmenich reinvents, manufactures, and combines vital nutrients, flavors, and fragrances for the world’s growing population to thrive. With our comprehensive range of solutions, with natural and renewable ingredients and renowned science and technology capabilities, we work to create what is essential for life, desirable for consumers, and more sustainable for the planet. dsm-firmenich is a Swiss-Dutch company, listed on the Euronext Amsterdam, with operations in almost 60 countries and revenues of more than €12 billion. With a diverse, worldwide team of nearly 30,000 employees, we bring progress to life™ every day, everywhere, for billions of people.

About ZERION Pharma A/S 

ZERION A/S develops its own proprietary drug formulations and offers its Dispersome® technology platform to established pharma companies as a means to solve their challenging drug solubility problems. By applying ZERION’s technology, the solubility of poorly soluble compounds may be greatly enhanced, which improves their oral bioavailability and thereby therapeutic outcomes for the patients.  

ZERION A/S was established in 2019 as a spin-out from the University of Copenhagen based on almost a decade of research.