News

LEPSIA: CMU Unveils CBD-Derived Pediatric Antiepileptic Drug to Cut Import Costs and Expand Access to Modern Medicine for Thai Patients

16 September 2026
Corporate Communication and Alumni Relations Center (CCARC)
Chiang Mai University, in partnership with Atlanta Medicare Co., Ltd., has achieved a major milestone in translating cutting-edge research into a commercial product with the launch of "LEPSIA." LEPSIA is a pediatric antiepileptic formulation derived from highly purified, medical-grade cannabidiol (CBD). Developed from rigorous research, the innovation meets international quality standards comparable to imported pharmaceuticals while reducing costs by 64.8%, significantly expanding access to effective treatment for young patients.

The press conference and official launch took place on September 15, 2026, at the Chatrium Grand Bangkok. Executives from Chiang Mai University and Atlanta Medicare, along with the research team and key stakeholders, shared the background and strategic significance of commercializing academic research, highlighting how targeted innovation can broaden pediatric access to high-standard pharmaceuticals in Thailand.

Professor Dr. Pongruk Sribanditmongkol, President of Chiang Mai University, stated, ‘Chiang Mai University has maintained a dedicated policy focused on the research and development of pure CBD for conventional medical applications, initiating private-sector partnerships in 2019. LEPSIA represents the culmination of our comprehensive, integrated medical cannabis initiative, driven by interdisciplinary experts across the entire value chain: upstream agricultural cultivation led by the Faculty of Agriculture, midstream extraction and formulation by the Faculty of Pharmacy, and downstream clinical trials and patient care managed by the Faculty of Medicine and Maharaj Nakorn Chiang Mai Hospital.’

Addressing the industrialization process, Mr. Suphadej Amnuaysakul, Chief Executive Officer of Atlanta Medicare, noted, ‘The primary challenge in commercial-scale natural extraction is maintaining batch-to-batch consistency. Placing our full confidence in the Chiang Mai University research team, we invested in pharmaceutical-grade infrastructure to preserve the purity of CBD extracts, enabling the product to overcome key manufacturing hurdles and achieve international certification.’

Ms. Supattra Boonserm, Secretary-General of the Food and Drug Administration, emphasized patient safety and compliance, affirming, ‘To assure patients and clinicians of its quality, safety, and efficacy on par with imported counterparts, LEPSIA is manufactured in a facility adhering to the most stringent accreditations, including GMP and US FDA 21 CFR Part 11 standards. The production pipeline strictly complies with PIC/S GMDP, GAP, and GACP frameworks to ensure the highest degree of consumer safety.’

Manufacturing medical-grade pharmaceuticals domestically reduces drug costs by 64.8% relative to equivalent imported volumes. Beyond curtailing capital outflow, this development expands essential access for families facing sustained treatment expenses as well as improving long-term outcomes and quality of life for pediatric patients, all of which are in alignment with the overarching vision: " Made in Thailand to World-Class Standards for Global Reach".

Research and Innovation News Executive Photo News Health Highlights

Gallery