CMU launches LEPSIA pediatric anti-seizure drug from cannabis

Khaosod•Society•10m ago

Reader Briefing

Chiang Mai University has developed LEPSIA, a medical-grade pure CBD extract for pediatric epilepsy that reduces medication costs by 64.8% compared to imports.

•Chiang Mai University launched LEPSIA, a pharmaceutical product for pediatric seizure treatment derived from cannabis inflorescence.
•The product is a pure CBD extract that has received certification from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
•LEPSIA reduces monthly treatment costs from 100,000 baht for imported drugs to approximately 30,000 baht.
•The development involved a comprehensive research project integrating four faculties of Chiang Mai University.

Overview

•Chiang Mai University began driving a strategy with the private sector for medical cannabis research in 2019.
•Chiang Mai University developed LEPSIA through a Comprehensive Integrated Medical Cannabis Research Project involving the Faculty of Agriculture, Faculty of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, and Faculty of Engineering.
•LEPSIA has passed certification from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and has been tested with some patients.
•LEPSIA reduces medication expenses by 64.8%, saving approximately 70,000 baht per month or over 840,000 baht per year compared to imports.
•The Faculty of Engineering designed high-level clean rooms equivalent to operating rooms to ensure consistent product quality.
•LEPSIA is a controlled substance that must be prescribed by a physician and cannot be purchased by the general public.
•Medical schools and major center hospitals nationwide are currently in the process of approving procurement for LEPSIA.
•Supatra Boonserm stated that LEPSIA is produced in factories meeting international standards including GMP CFR 21 Part 11, PIC/S GMDP, GAP, and GACP.

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Key Entities

Organization

Chiang Mai University(มหาวิทยาลัยเชียงใหม่)ℹ️

The institution that developed LEPSIA through a comprehensive integrated medical cannabis research project.

Faculty of Agriculture(คณะเกษตรศาสตร์)

The faculty at Chiang Mai University responsible for the upstream part of the cannabis value chain.

Faculty of Pharmacy(คณะเภสัชศาสตร์)

The faculty at Chiang Mai University responsible for the midstream part of the cannabis value chain.

Faculty of Medicine(คณะแพทยศาสตร์)ℹ️

The faculty at Chiang Mai University involved in clinical testing and patient treatment.

Maharaj Nakorn Chiang Mai Hospital (Suan Dok)(โรงพยาบาลมหาราชนครเชียงใหม่ (สวนดอก))

The hospital involved in the clinical testing and treatment of patients using the CBD extract.

Food and Drug Administration(อย.)ℹ️

The agency that certified the standard of the LEPSIA product.

Faculty of Engineering(คณะวิศวกรรมศาสตร์)ℹ️

The faculty at Chiang Mai University that designed high-level clean rooms for cultivation.

Person

Pongrak Sribanditmongkol(พงษ์รักษ์ ศรีบัณฑิตมงคล)

The President of Chiang Mai University.

Supadech(ศุภเดช)

An individual involved in the continuous development and quality analysis of the product.

Supatra Boonserm(สุภัทรา บุญเสริม)

The Secretary-General of the Food and Drug Administration.