Headshot of Akeem Gardner

Akeem Gardner, LLB
Chief Executive Officer
Canurta
SPEAKER
SCIENCE

Effect of Cannflavins on Mitigating a Motor Neuron Disease
Phytochemicals from cannabis exhibit therapeutic promise in impeding the progression of neurodegenerative conditions. Specifically, CBD and cannflavins can hinder enzymes integral to the synthesis of arachidonic acid from the endocannabinoid 2-arachidonoylglycerol which acts as a natural suppressor of neuroinflammation, thereby alleviating neuropathologies in models of neurodegenerative disorders. Encouraged by the favorable impact of cannflavins in an initial screening involving mutant Caenorhabditis elegans models for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia, our research group opted to further investigate the potential effects of both cannflavins and cannabinoids in alleviating neuro-motor ailments. This led to an examination using a Zebrafish model exhibiting a broad spectrum of ALS-like symptoms induced by the neurotoxin β-N-methylamino-L-alanine (BMAA). The restoration of impaired motility in zebrafish larvae due to BMAA-induced neuronal dysfunction by the tested compounds suggests a compelling rationale for potentially extending their evaluation in clinical trials to a wider range of ALS patients and validates this screening tool for the discovery of novel neurodegeneration therapeutics.

Learning Objectives:

  • Understand the potential effects of both cannflavins and cannabinoids in alleviating neuro-motor ailments
  • Review a screening tool for the discovery of novel neurodegeneration therapeutics
  • Examine complex mixtures of cannabis for pharmaceutical development
BIO
Akeem is the Founder and CEO of Canurta. He is an innovative entrepreneur with over five years of experience in industrial hemp enterprises. Akeem uses his keen legal intelligence from his L.L.B. from the University of Kent to solve complex problems. He has a proven track record in leading high-performance teams that work across multi-channel platforms and strategically aligning profitability with sustainability and economic development in Ontario. In 2018 Akeem acquired an Industrial Hemp License from Health Canada and began to farm hemp as he embarked on his entrepreneurial venture, which allowed him to meet with the University of Guelph professors in the summer of 2019 to begin the cannflavin project. In 2019 he was the recipient of the Brampton Board of Trade Top 40 Under 40 ​​award in recognition of his remarkable leadership, forward-thinking, and innovation in the community. He was also 1 of 3 recipients of the 2020 MNP Future Leader award. Most recently, Akeem is one of 20 Life Science Executives accepted into Admare Biosciences Executive Institute Cohort V. As a minority founder in life sciences and biotechnology, Akeem is aware of the responsibility he has to help bring equitable healthcare solutions to the market while inspiring and creating opportunities for the next generation of BIPOC entrepreneurs, researchers and impact makers.

ATTENDANCE IS LIMITED. THE OPPORTUNITIES ARE NOT.

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