Gelteq Limited says a recent preclinical study found its proprietary oral gel delivery platform significantly increased the absorption and bioavailability of cannabidiol compared to an existing FDA-approved oil-based product, even when using a much lower CBD concentration.
The Melbourne-based biotechnology company announced that the study showed more than a 22% increase in bioavailability, along with higher peak exposure, when CBD was delivered using its gel formulation. Gelteq said the results suggest the platform improves the uptake of lipophilic cannabinoids in the body, potentially allowing patients to achieve therapeutic effects with lower doses.
According to the company, the findings could create a pathway for a faster market launch of medicinal marijuana products in Australia through the federal Special Access Scheme, which allows authorized healthcare practitioners to prescribe certain medicinal products without full approval from the Therapeutic Goods Administration. Gelteq said access through the program could enable earlier patient use and help position the company for entry into additional international markets.
Gelteq said traditional delivery methods such as oils and vapes can present challenges including inconsistent absorption, variable dosing, slow onset, unpleasant taste, and inhalation-related concerns. The company said its oral gel platform is designed to provide more predictable dosing, improved convenience, and a non-invasive alternative to inhaled products.
The company also said the gel format allows for pre-measured dosing without droppers and does not require coordination with food intake, which could support more consistent treatment use. Gelteq added that the delivery method may be particularly useful for patient populations that often struggle with oils or capsules, including pediatric, geriatric, and palliative-care patients.
Gelteq said the results could support commercial partnerships with medicinal marijuana companies, including licensing, white-label manufacturing, and co-development of cannabinoid-based products. The company said the platform may be adaptable for a range of formulations, including CBD, THC, balanced cannabinoid ratios, and combination products.
Gelteq is headquartered in Melbourne and develops gel-based oral delivery systems for pharmaceutical, consumer health, and animal health applications.
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