Earlier this year we wrote about new research that found hemp compounds have the ability to prevent the virus that causes COVID-19 from entering human cells. The in vitro study, published in the Journal of Natural Products, was led by Richard van Breemen, pHD, a researcher at Oregon State University. Recently he announced the launch of the van Breemen Company, which aims to achieve wellness through hemp compounds and other botanicals.
The van Breemen Company’s Original Wellness Formula, based on the research from van Breemen, was released to the public in April. Crabtree said that although the initial feedback has been very positive, they continue to conduct further research.
While van Breeman acknowledged he has never fancied himself an entrepreneur, he’s grateful for the unexpected opportunity.
“I've been an academic for just about 40 years and I never thought I'd go down this path. But again, I never thought I'd publish a paper that caught the world's attention and literally caused hundreds and hundreds of news agencies to contact us and hundreds of thousands of people to read our paper. I'm just overwhelmed by the interest in work that we do and it prompted me to think that maybe we really need to do more than the usual academic process and try to start a company that can complement what we're already doing in the university setting,” said van Breemen, adding “It would be great if it happened 20 years ago, but I'm delighted this happened now.”
To hear more about the research and if van Breemen thinks CBD will ever be approved as a dietary ingredient, listen to the NutraCast. You can also subscribe on iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher and wherever you get your podcasts.
