NEWS
March 14, 2019
Cannabix Technologies Provides Update on Marijuana Breathalyzer Development
Vancouver, British Columbia, March 14, 2019 -- Cannabix Technologies Inc. (CSE: BLO) (OTC PINK: BLOZF) (the “Company or Cannabix”) developer of the Cannabix Marijuana Breathalyzer for law enforcement and the workplace, is pleased to report that early testing with its breath collection unit (“BCU”) has thus far provided stable and consistent results. In late January, the Company received an initial version of its portable handheld device for the collection of breath samples at the point of care. Testing with human subjects using the BCU, has improved consistency of breath sample collection, and has provided important real-time data parameters on breath flow rate, volume, relative humidity, carbon dioxide levels, and temperature. Engineers may make additional adjustments to the BCU based on this early testing of the unit and additional units are planned to be built for field testing purposes.
The Company also reports recent characterization work with the Cannabix’s FAIMS (field asymmetric waveform ion mobility spectrometry) THC detection device has shown the ability to supress a range of ions (both low mass and high mass) from the spectrum allowing for THC (?9-tetrahydrocannabinol) detection from both human breath and standards. In particular, scientists are working quickly to finalize specific FAIMS geometries that will allow for optimal ion filtering capability. FAIMS works as an “ion blocking” technology, essentially blocking unwanted ions/analytes and allowing specified ions (like THC) to pass through for detection.
In addition to THC, Cannabix scientists are using FAIMS to detect two key metabolites of THC, being 11-hydroxy-delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol and 11-nor-9-carboxy-tetrahydrocannabinol in standards and in breath. Marijuana contains several cannabinoids in addition to THC, several of which are metabolized in the body relatively quickly and have shorter half-lives. THC can be detectable in blood for weeks; whereas, metabolites such as 11-hydroxy-delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol and 11-nor-9-carboxy-tetrahydrocannabinol are only detectable for a few hours after consumption of cannabis. The detection of THC and its metabolites in human breath provides for real-time pharmacokinetic analysis. Such analysis provides a method for the identification of “recency of use” that will be important for determining impairment at the roadside. Detection capability of the metabolites provides analysis of frequent users of marijuana who tend to retain THC in their body for longer periods of time, relative to infrequent marijuana users who tend to clear THC from their body more quickly. This data and analysis will be important for an eventual court approved device. Furthermore, 11-nor-9- carboxy-tetrahydrocannabinol is the primary metabolite from the liver, which is prevalent from the consumption of edibles.
Additional improvements and IP
Engineers have improved on the design of the ionization source for the instrument which now allows for greater voltage control and precision, leading to greater signal and sensitivity. Furthermore, improvements have been made to the instrument’s heat control module. The Company’s patent portfolio includes an exclusive worldwide license of University of Florida (“UF”) US Patent 8,237,118 in the area of breath analysis of controlled substances. Additionally, the Company has licensed patent pending technology from UF (PCT/CA2017/000042), and has made its own patent applications since 2015. The Company’s technology has significantly progressed since its original filings and new intellectual property and trade secrets have been developed that will ultimately supersede earlier broad patent applications. Additional patent applications will be filed in due course.
