Dr. Emek Blair

Founder of CELLg8® Valimenta & PuffinHemp

Dr. Emek Blair

Dr. Emek Blair earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in Chemistry from Occidental College in Los Angeles, Calif. before going on to earn his Doctorate in Chemistry from the University of California, Irvine. Over the past 13 years, Dr. Blair has developed, refined and implemented a proprietary and innovative method for manufacturing custom liposome formulas. Since the development of this method, Dr. Blair has won several awards from the scientific community and has two patents pending.

In 2010, Dr. Blair began formulating and licensing liposomal products to companies.

In early 2015, Dr. Blair founded Valimenta to provide B2B private label manufacturing for custom liposomal products, vitamin supplements, herbal extracts and energy/nutrition drinks. Valimenta uses the proprietary method developed by Dr. Blair which does not require high pressures, high temperatures or toxic synthetic chemicals.

Featured Publications

Dr. Blair has been featured in many scientific publications

Daily Cannabidol for the Treatment of Canine Osteoarthritis Pain

A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of daily cannabidiol for the treatment of canine osteoarthritis pain

Over the last 2 decades, affirmative diagnoses of osteoarthritis (OA) in the United States have tripled due to increasing rates of obesity and an aging population. Hemp-derived cannabidiol (CBD) is the major nontetrahydrocannabinol component of cannabis and has been promoted as a potential treatment for a wide variety of disparate inflammatory conditions. Here, we evaluated CBD for its ability to modulate the production of proinflammatory cytokines in vitro and in murine models of induced inflammation and further validated the ability of a liposomal formulation to increase bioavailability in mice and in humans. Subsequently, the therapeutic potential of both naked and liposomally encapsulated CBD was explored in a 4-week, randomized placebo-controlled, double-blinded study in a spontaneous canine model of OA. In vitro and in mouse models, CBD significantly attenuated the production of proinflammatory cytokines IL-6 and TNF-α while elevating levels of anti-inflammatory IL-10. In the veterinary study, CBD significantly decreased pain and increased mobility in a dose-dependent fashion among animals with an affirmative diagnosis of OA. Liposomal CBD (20 mg/day) was as effective as the highest dose of nonliposomal CBD (50 mg/day) in improving clinical outcomes. Hematocrit, comprehensive metabolic profile, and clinical chemistry indicated no significant detrimental impact of CBD administration over the 4-week analysis period. This study supports the safety and therapeutic potential of hemp-derived CBD for relieving arthritic pain and suggests follow-up investigations in humans are warranted.

Liposomal Cannabidiol Delivery: A Pilot Study

Liposomal Cannabidiol Delivery: A Pilot Study

Although oral cannabidiol (CBD) formulations are increasingly popular, studies show that oral CBD has a much lower bioavailability than inhaled CBD.1 This study was designed to compare the bioavailability of 2 different preparations of oral CBD, with
and without a liposomal delivery system.

Puffin Hemp (http://www.puffinhemp.com) has a patentpending liposome manufacturing technology that is used to prepare CBD products with high bioavailability, using a proprietary CELLg8 delivery system. This natural liposomal preparation is designed to increase the amount of active ingredient that is absorbed into the bloodstream. We have previously published on a similar liposomal delivery system for vitamin C, where increased absorption was observed compared with a nonliposomal product.

Next Generation of Liposomal Delivery for Cannabidiol From a Hemp Extract

Next Generation of Liposomal Delivery for Cannabidiol From a Hemp Extract: A Safety Study

A human clinical safety study examined the alterations in the blood profiles of 10 healthy adults before and after taking CELLg8® Hemp - an advanced liposomal cannabinoid preparation standardized for cannabidiol - daily for 30 days. The primary outcome measures were the comprehensive metabolic panel and complete blood count. Results showed that out of 340 blood tests administered, 339 improved or remained the same at day 30.
Liposomal-encapsulated Ascorbid Acid

Liposomal-encapsulated Ascorbic Acid: Influence on Vitamin C Bioavailability and Capacity to Protect Against Ischemia–Reperfusion Injury

Intravenous administration of vitamin C has been shown to decrease oxidative stress and, in some instances, improve physiological function in adult humans. Oral vitamin C administration is typically less effective than intravenous, due in part to inferior vitamin C bioavailability. The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy of oral delivery of vitamin C encapsulated in liposomes. On 4 separate randomly ordered occasions, 11 men and women were administered an oral placebo, or 4 g of vitamin C via oral, oral liposomal, or intravenous delivery. The data indicate that oral delivery of 4 g of vitamin C encapsulated in liposomes (1) produces circulating concentrations of vitamin C that are greater than unencapsulated oral but less than intravenous administration and (2) provides protection from ischemia–reperfusion-mediated oxidative stress that is similar to the protection provided by unencapsulated oral and intravenous administrations.

How rouge can impact on-line TOC analyzers

How rouge can impact on-line TOC analyzers

Rouge or colloidal iron oxide that is present in pharmaceutical water system, poses a significant challenge in moving total organic carbon (TOC) from a lab-based release to online release. Rogue deposition can alter online TOC analyzer performance within months of installation by changing cell constants and blocking ultraviolet light of quartz oxidation cells. When UV light is blocked, oxidation of organics to carbon dioxide is inhibited that leads to underreporting of TOC, making oxidation and analysis times longer than the expected time in the water sample. Also, analyzers that use membrane technology to separate carbon dioxide from the sample matrix are at greater risk because of colloidal fouling and reduced carbon dioxide efficiency. Reduced membrane performance can lead to inaccuracy, drift, and instability. Three strategies can help mitigate such effects of rouge. These include dynamic endpoint detection, rouge detection sensors and oxidation cell maintenance kits.

Detection and Quantification of Carboxylic Acid Excursions in Ultrapure Water Using an On-line TOC Analyzer

Detection and Quantification of Carboxylic Acid Excursions in Ultrapure Water Using an On-line TOC Analyzer

In a recent paper by Hanson (1), the author described carboxylic acid breakthrough in several high-purity water polish loops at Texas Instrument (TI) fabs in Dallas, Texas. Mr. Hanson was able to trace the source of these organic acids back to the plants feedwater and attributed acid formation to implementation of a new municipal water ozonation system. The carboxylic acids were apparently ozonation by-products that were not destroyed before leaving the water treatment facility. The level of incoming carboxylic acids that lead to the high-purity water breakthrough was not explicitly given, but data indicates concentrations of 200 to 400 parts per billion (ppb) were necessary (1). The levels of carboxylic acid that reached the wafer fab were also not given, but due to the efficiency of the high-purity water plant for removing ionic contamination, we assume levels were ranging between 5 to 20 parts per billion (ppb).

Liposomal Hemp Extract for the Management of Cachexia

Liposomal Hemp Extract for the Management of Cachexia

The onset of cachexia, a body-wasting condition, is an ominous sign -- it occurs in up to 80% of patients with cancer and is the ultimate cause of death in up to 20% of these patients. Moreover, cachexia can make treatment for cancer more difficult and less effective. With no approved treatment for cachexia, some pateints have experimented with cannabis to increase their appetite. Findings on the use of cannabis as a treatment for cachexia have shown some promise; however, well-designed clinical trials of cannabinoids are necessary to provide guidance to both physicans and patients regarding formulation and dose. 

Additional Publications

  • Blair, E., Verrico, C., Wesson, S., Konduri, V., Hofferek, C. J., Vazquez-Perez, J., … Halpert, M. M. (2020, April 24). A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of… : PAIN. Retrieved from https://journals.lww.com/pain/Abstract/9000/A_randomized,_double_blind,_placebo_controlled.98420.aspx
  • Blair, E. (2020). Liposomal Cannabidiol Delivery: A Pilot Study. American Journal of Endocannabinoid Medicine 2(1), 19–21.
  • Blair E.: “Next Generation of Liposomal Delivery for Cannabidiol From a Hemp Extract: A Safety Study” American Journal of Endocannabinoid Medicine, 2019 Nov; p 20-22.
  • Davis JL, Paris HL, Beals JW, Binns SE, Giordano GR, Scalzo RL, Schweder MM, Blair E, Bell C.: “Liposomal-encapsulated Ascorbic Acid: Influence on Vitamin C Bioavailability and Capacity to Protect Against Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury.” Nutr Metab Insights, 2016 Jun 20; 9:25-30.
  • Blair, E.; Stange, T.; “How Rouge Can Impact On-Line TOC Analyzers.” Ultrapure Water, Jan. 2008, p13-18 and Cover.
  • Stange, T.; Lu, Z.; Blair, E.; “Detection and Quantification of Carboxylic Acid Excursions in Ultrapure Water Using an On-line TOC Analyzer.” Semiconductor Pure water and Chemicals conference proceedings, 2007, 173-186.

Academic Publications

  • Blair, E.; Sulc, F.; Farmer, P. J. “Biomimetic NOx Reductions by Heme Models and Proteins” N4 Macrocyclic Metal Complexes, J. H. Zagal, F. Bedioui, J. P. Dodelet eds. Springer, 2006, Chp. 4, pp. 149-190. (ISBN 0-387-29429-X)
  • Blair, E. “Electrochemical Degradation Pathways of 1,1,1-trichloroethane by Immobilized P450 CYP119 in Extreme Temperature and pH Environments.” Interface, 2005, 4; 54-55.
  • Kuznetsov, V.; Blair, E.; Farmer, P. J.; Poulos, T.; Peferitti, A.; Sevrioukova, I.; “The Putidaredoxin Reductase-Putidaredoxin Electron Transfer Complex: Theoretical and Experimental Study.” J.Biol.Chem. 2005, 280; 16135–16142.
  • Blair, E.; Greaves, J.; Farmer, P. J.; “High Temperature Electrocatalysis Using Thermophilic P450 CYP119: Dehalogenation of CCl4 to CH4.” J. Am.Chem. Soc. 2004, 126(28); 8632-8633.
  • Immoos, C.E.; Chou, J.; Bayachou, M.; Blair, E.; Farmer, P.J.; “Electrocatalytic Reductions of Nitrite, Nitric Oxide, and Nitrous Oxide by Thermophilic Cytochrome P450 CYP119 in Film- Modified Electrodes and an Analytical Comparison of Its Catalytic Activities with Myoglobin.” J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2004, 126(15); 4934-4942.
  • Blair, E.; Nikles, J. A.; Nikles, D. E.; Rogers, L. M.; Rogers, R. D.; Stabler, D.; Street, S. C.; “Molecular Structure of the Amine-Quinone Model Compound, 2,5-bis(dimethylamino)-1,4- benzoquinone.” Polymer Preprint, 2000, 41(1); 318.

Liposomal Delivery System

Founder of CELLg8®

Trust CELLg8® for high-end, customizable liposomal supplements backed by extensive human clinical studies to meet the highest industry standards.

Manufacturing the Future of Vitamins

Founder of Valimenta®

Valimenta provides B2B private-label manufacturing as well as custom liposomal products, vitamin supplements, herbal extracts, and energy/nutrition drinks worldwide.

Custom Hemp Supplements

Founder of Puffinhemp­™

Puffinhemp provides B2B private label manufacturing as well as custom liposomal hemp products.

Blogs & Articles

Through his work, Dr. Emek Blair has become a thought leader in the conversation about all-natural liposomal manufacturing and delivery. Check out the latest articles and blogs from Dr. Blair. 

How Glutathione (GSH) Regulates Redox Balance in the Brain Glutathione (GSH) is a tripeptide molecule composed of cysteine, glutamate, and glycine that …

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Polyphenols are a class of bioactive compounds found in a variety of plant-based foods such as fruits, vegetables, tea, coffee, and cocoa. …