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Cesamet™ (nabilone)

NEMA Research, Inc. · FDA-approved active Small molecule

Nabilone is a synthetic cannabinoid that mimics THC and binds to cannabinoid receptors in the central nervous system to reduce nausea and vomiting.

Nabilone is a synthetic cannabinoid that mimics THC and binds to cannabinoid receptors in the central nervous system to reduce nausea and vomiting. Used for Chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV), Post-operative nausea and vomiting (PONV).

At a glance

Generic nameCesamet™ (nabilone)
SponsorNEMA Research, Inc.
Drug classSynthetic cannabinoid
TargetCB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptors
ModalitySmall molecule
Therapeutic areaOncology, Anesthesia
PhaseFDA-approved

Mechanism of action

Nabilone acts as a partial agonist at CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptors, primarily in the brain's chemoreceptor trigger zone and vomiting center. By activating these receptors, it suppresses the neural signals that trigger nausea and emesis, making it effective for chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) and post-operative nausea and vomiting (PONV).

Approved indications

Common side effects

Key clinical trials

Primary sources

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SourceUsed for
ClinicalTrials.govTrial enrolment, design, endpoints, results

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