Experimental Medication Reduces Back Pain in New Study

Strategic Insights -

An experimental medication made from cannabis has been shown to successfully reduce back pain in an 800-patient study, providing further support for the drug's potential in treating this common condition. The study, conducted by German drugmaker Vertanical, is the latest in a growing body of research on the therapeutic properties of cannabis, which remains illegal under U.S. federal law despite being available for medical or recreational use in many states.

Key Takeaways:

  • The 800-patient study found that patients taking the cannabis medication reported a nearly 2-point reduction in pain on an 11-point scale, compared to 1.4 points for those taking a placebo.
  • Patients taking the medication also reported improvements in sleep and physical function, with side effects including dizziness, headache, fatigue, and nausea.
  • Over 17% of patients discontinued the drug early due to side effects, a rate lower than what is typically reported with opioids.
  • The study's lead author, Dr. Matthias Karst, a pain specialist at Hannover Medical School, notes that the results show cannabis can significantly reduce pain and improve physical function in patients with chronic low-back pain, without the safety concerns associated with opioids.
  • Vertanical has filed an application for their drug with European regulators and is working closely with U.S. regulators to design a study to support FDA approval.
  • The study's results were published in the journal Nature and have significant implications for the use of cannabis in treating chronic pain.

Statistics:

  • 800 patients participated in the study.
  • Patients taking the medication reported a nearly 2-point reduction in pain on an 11-point scale.
  • Patients taking the medication reported improvements in sleep and physical function.
  • 17% of patients discontinued the drug early due to side effects.
  • The study's lead author, Dr. Matthias Karst, notes that the results show cannabis can "significantly reduce pain and improve physical function in patients with chronic low-back pain, without the safety concerns commonly associated with opioids."
  • Vertanical has filed an application for their drug with European regulators.

Sources:

  • Washington (AP) - An experimental medication made from cannabis has been shown to successfully reduce back pain in an 800-patient study.
  • Vertanical - The German drugmaker conducted the 800-patient study and is seeking approval for their drug from European regulators.
  • Dr. Matthias Karst, lead study author - Karst notes that the results show cannabis can significantly reduce pain and improve physical function in patients with chronic low-back pain, without the safety concerns associated with opioids.
  • The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Department of Science Education and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.