An Interview with Innocan Pharma’s CEO, Iris Bincovich.
Innocan Pharma is gaining attention for its innovative pain relief solutions — particularly through its slow-release injection technology. This cutting-edge approach delivers synthetic Cannabidiol (CBD) in a steady, prolonged manner to address the challenges of chronic pain management. We spoke with Innocan’s CEO, Iris Bincovich, to understand the company’s vision for chronic pain management, its approach to innovation, and some lessons learned along her personal journey.
Q: How are you approaching chronic pain management? What is different about Innocan’s approach?
Iris Bincovich: Chronic pain is one of the most significant challenges worldwide, affecting millions of people and often reducing their quality of life. Traditional pain management solutions typically rely on non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or opioids, which can come with serious side effects and a risk of dependency. Innocan was founded on the idea that there should be a safer, more targeted dosing and longer-lasting alternative.
We’re leveraging the therapeutic properties of synthetic CBD because it delivers a consistent profile for medical use. One major difference in our approach lies in our delivery platform: a single injection of our CBD-loaded Liposomal Technology, or LPT-CBD, has the potential to relieve pain for up to four weeks. This slow release means the active ingredient remains in the blood at stable levels, without the peaks and troughs that come with multiple daily doses.
From our preclinical studies, we’ve seen promising data. In both rodent and canine models, a single shot provided a gradual, steady release of synthetic CBD into the bloodstream for the entire four-week period. We hope this will pave the way for a more convenient and potentially more effective solution—one that reduces discomfort and has minimal impact on everyday routines for people and animals alike.
Q: Can you describe how your team approaches innovation and the evolution of your injectable, long lasting pain relief solution?
Iris Bincovich: We start by looking at concrete, real-world problems. Chronic pain affects people’s—and pets’—daily lives, and many of the existing treatments involve frequent dosing or come with side effects. We asked ourselves: How can we simplify this process for both human and veterinary patients?
Our answer is a single-injection, slow-release technology that contains synthetic CBD. This approach addresses the problem of constant redosing and also aims to reduce side effects by delivering the active ingredient in a low-level constant exposure. In addition, our technology answers drug bioavailability challenges which can sometimes occur following oral route administration.
Balancing effectiveness with high bioavailability and sustained release is key. As we evolve our product, we keep both human and animal applications in mind, which is why we coordinate closely with different regulatory agencies. We’ve secured agreement from the FDA on our preclinical and Phase 1 clinical development plan required to initiate Investigational New Drug studies with LPT-CBD in chronic pain patients. Under the 505(b)(2) pathway, we have a potentially accelerated route to market and patent utilization. On the veterinary side, the FDA’s Center for Veterinary Medicine (CVM) granted us a fee waiver for 2024 and issued an Investigational New Animal Drug (INAD) number, making it simpler for us to exchange data and move forward with trials in animals as well.
Q: What are some of the trends and challenges you see ahead for pain management innovations?
Iris Bincovich: One of the biggest challenges is addressing the opioid crisis responsibly. To give a sense of scale, in the United States alone, the CDC has reported that 76% of drug overdose deaths in 2022 involved an opioid. Chronic pain has often been managed with opioids, but the risks of misuse, dependence and serious side effects make it imperative to look for alternative therapies.
That’s where slow-release CBD drug like ours come in, offering potentially non-opioid pain relief options that can be safer and more convenient for patients. Beyond that, there’s a growing trend in innovative delivery platforms—technologies designed to deliver the active ingredient precisely over time. This can provide easy dosing for long term application and improve patient experience.
When it comes to regulatory pathways, we see regulations as necessary guardrails to ensure that each new therapy is truly safe and effective. The process is necessary and ultimately builds trust in the final product and in making it available for patients. By meeting stringent requirements, Innocan is looking to confidently offer a novel therapeutic approach that addresses a growing need.
Q: Any lessons for companies looking to innovate and achieve regulatory and commercial traction?
Iris Bincovich: Absolutely. Innovation in pharma is a marathon, not a sprint. The first key is patience: set realistic timelines for research, clinical development, approvals and commercialization. It often takes longer than you think, and each delay can be a source of data that refines your product.
Second, collaboration is crucial. You need strong teams of researchers, regulatory experts, healthcare professionals, and sometimes academic partners. By pooling expertise, you identify potential pitfalls early and can adapt before major resources are wasted.
Third, stay aligned with the bigger picture. Ask yourselves which unmet need you’re addressing and how your therapy will fit into clinical practice. If you can show a clear benefit for patients—backed by strong safety and efficacy evidence—both regulators and investors are more likely to support you.
Lastly, being strict with regulatory bodies by always following their guidance and engaging meetings to be aligned with their requirements. Different regions have varying rules, so be ready to adjust your strategy for each market. Good communication can smooth out a lot of the bumps on the road to approval.
Q: Can you share your personal journey and how it helps you in your current role leading Innocan?
Iris Bincovich: My background spans several roles in the pharmaceutical and healthcare industries, where I managed product strategies, oversaw business operations, and worked with multidisciplinary teams. Early on, I realized that truly impactful healthcare solutions don’t just hinge on having a great idea—they rely on solid science, creative problem-solving, and a passionate team.
I have always believe that effective efforts, successful cooperation, and tangible but aggressive goals help deliver meaningful results, and this reflected in our efforts these past three years. Moreover, collaborating with highly-experienced partners in a joint effort along the journey – is truly priceless.
Over the years, I witnessed how a seemingly small improvement in a healthcare product could have a profound effect on patients’ quality of life. That experience fueled my drive to think bigger. Leading Innocan gives me the chance to push boundaries, support an environment where ideas can come from anywhere, and ensure that our collective work is aimed at meaningful breakthroughs in both human and veterinary health.
Conclusion
Innocan Pharma’s mission is rooted in providing long-lasting relief for chronic pain—whether that pain is experienced by people or by their pets. Supported by promising preclinical results, the company’s innovative technology enables the delivery of synthetic CBD through a single injection, providing sustained pain relief for up to four weeks. According to their 2024 annual State of Research and Development press release, Innocan continues to progress through trials with the goal of advancing both human and veterinary applications.
For CEO Iris Bincovich and her team, these developments are about more than just launching a product. They represent a patient- (and pet-) centric vision, shaped by rigorous science and practical innovation. With regulatory oversight acting as an essential safeguard, Innocan sees a path toward safer, more consistent relief for chronic pain conditions in the years ahead. By adhering to data-driven research and a collaborative approach across its team and industry leaders, the company is working to reshape how to treat and manage pain—one pain-relieving shot at a time.
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This is sponsored content issued on behalf of Innocan Pharma Corp., please see full disclaimer here.
(Top photo of Innocan Pharma’s chief executive officer, Iris Bincovich: Innocan Pharma)
