On Jul. 14, 2020, Pascal Biosciences announced it had discovered certain cannabinoids that block replication of SARS-CoV-2, the coronavirus that causes COVID-19.

In a cell-based assay, the best cannabinoid had potency similar to remdesivir, a recently approved drug from Gilead that improves recovery time for COVID-19 patients. This suggested a Pascal-identified cannabinoid may have the potential to limit the severity and progression of the disease.