A Novel Approach to Preclinical Trials & Therapeutic benefits of cannabinoids in Autoimmune diseases - IBD as a model

Human reaction to drugs is different to that of the animals. In current preclinical trials - disease does not occur naturally, and environmental conditions for lab-animals are opposed to human-patient surroundings. A better model for drug testing can be found in animals with natural occurring diseases, treated as a part of their life routine, allowing the simultaneous development of drugs for human and animal patients, saving costs and contributing to welfare.

Autoimmune diseases including inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) deserve the development of new effective therapeutic approaches with less adverse effects and toxicity.
IBD is speculated to evolve partially due to an inappropriate immune response to bacterial and/or dietary antigens as part of the mechanism. Colic in equines (emergency) is associated with IBD. Food sensitivities and allergies contribute to compromised immune function. Traditional treatments often exacerbate the disorder, thus increasing susceptibility to GI lymphoma (feline susceptibility). Breed predisposition for IBD is common in 39 canine breeds as well as in purebred cats.

Cannabinoids exert multiple effects by modulating neurotransmitters and immune response. and can be promising immunosuppressive and anti-fibrotic agents in the treatment of autoimmune disorders. Cannabis has been used to treat IBD in humans.

To answer the growing need of evidence-based medicine in both human and veterinary medicine, a new approach for the investigation of cannabinoid therapeutic potential must be adopted. A model which offers a direct study of a specific disease in human and veterinary patients may facilitate novel therapies development.