Augusta University
Stacey Hudson
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has granted Orphan Drug Designation to cannabidiol (CBD) for the treatment of malignant glioma, a category of aggressive brain tumors that includes glioblastoma. The designation went to Medicinal Cannabis of Georgia, a biotech start-up founded by Dr. Babak Baban, associate dean for research at the Dental College of Georgia (DCG), and Dr. Lei Phillip Wang, assistant professor in the DCG Department of Oral Biology.
Both researchers brought scientific vision and rigorous inquiry to the project. They worked closely with Augusta University, Thriftmaster Global Biosciences and the Center for Research and Experimental Animal Modeling. The team built a strong foundation through preclinical studies, and they continue to lead innovative work in cannabinoid science.
“This achievement reflects the strength of our research community,” Baban said. “We see progress when people focus on collaboration, curiosity and patient needs. Our work at the DCG reaches beyond dentistry and supports the broader health of the state of Georgia.”
The FDA designation provides several key benefits, including eligibility for tax credits, reduced regulatory fees, and seven years of market exclusivity following approval. These incentives help researchers bring promising therapies to patients with urgent needs and allow research teams to move from the laboratory to the clinic with greater speed and focus.
“This designation marks a critical milestone in our mission to bring science from the lab to the bedside,” Wang said. “We believe CBD holds real promise for treating devastating cancers like glioblastoma and we remain committed to moving this research forward.”
Their efforts support a growing culture of discovery at the DCG and highlights the growing impact of the college’s role in advancing biomedical discovery in Georgia.
““Our growth in research exploration, our expansion to other campuses in the state and to more clinical training locations are all carefully focused on the needs of the citizens of Georgia,” said Dr. Nancy Young, dean. “The success of Drs. Baban and Wang exemplifies how our faculty’s dedication to discovery leads to innovations that directly serve patients and elevate the impact of the Dental College of Georgia across the state.”
Faculty at the DCG leading basic and translational science projects create real therapies for patients with urgent medical needs. This work strengthens the college’s impact and energizes Augusta University’s reputation as a hub for life-changing, life-saving research.
