One of the world's leading cannabinoid scientists from the University of Aberdeen joins GW Pharmaceu

One of the world’s leading cannabinoid scientists from the University of Aberdeen joins GW Pharmaceuticals plc

The University of Aberdeen is pleased to announce that Roger Pertwee, Professor of Neuropharmacology, has joined the senior management team of GW Pharmaceuticals plc (GW), the company developing a portfolio of non-smoked cannabis-based prescription medicines, as Director of Pharmacology.

Professor Pertwee is one of the world's leading cannabinoid scientists, having researched this area for over 30 years, and is the author of over 220 publications. He is a Past President of the International Cannabinoid Research Society and is frequently consulted about the therapeutic potential of cannabis and cannabinoids by parliamentary committees and leading medical organisations. In his role at GW, Professor Pertwee will focus on pharmacology in support of the company's clinical trials programmes and novel research, including the investigation of new therapeutic areas. He will split his time between working for the University of Aberdeen and GW Pharmaceuticals plc, and will be based in the University’s Institute of Medical Sciences at Foresterhill.

The appointment marks the first step in the planned establishment by GW of a new research entity - the Cannabinoid Research Institute. The Institute will be a distinct division within the company, with activities being directed by Dr Philip Robson, GW’s Medical Director. The Institute will allow the organisation to expand operations from clinical and pre-clinical work into fundamental cannabinoid research.

Following his appointment, Professor Pertwee said: “The prospect of exploring the pharmacological actions of individual plant cannabinoids separately, and in combination, is exciting for both scientific and clinical reasons. The setting up of the Institute will greatly facilitate fundamental research into the pharmacology of plant cannabinoids and the exploitation of these constituents of cannabis as medicines.

"Bringing together a pharmaceutical company and academic scientists with a common interest in cannabinoid pharmacology in this way will be a highly effective combination, consisting as it will of three powerful elements: adequate funding, appropriate expertise and research that is focussed and of high-quality."

Dr Robson added: “This is a very exciting time for GW. We welcome Professor Pertwee and look forward to working with him. We hope over time to involve other collaborators so that scientists from inside and outside GW can conduct research into the mammalian cannabinoid system and potential therapeutic candidates for cannabis-based medicines.”