Australia’s Southern Cross University is inviting adult fibromyalgia sufferers to join a study delving into the efficacy of medicinal cannabis in reducing pain and other symptoms.
Fibromyalgia Syndrome (FMS) impacts approximately 2.7% of the global population. The condition causes pain and tenderness throughout the body in addition to fatigue and sleeping problems; with limited treatment options.
The Southern Cross University study is looking to confirm previous research, including this study, that has suggested medical cannabis may help fibromyalgia patients by reducing pain and improving quality of life.
Funded and supported by Little Green Pharma (LGP), the Queensland, Gold Coast based study is being run at Griffith University’s Clinical Trial Unit and is looking to recruit a total of 36 eligible participants by December 20.
“Patients are being encouraged to take part in the study to help further understand the safety and efficacy of medicinal cannabis in the treatment of this complex disorder and in turn provide potential benefits for patients of pain and symptoms relief where possible,” said Principal Investigator, Dr Janet Schloss.
In order to be considered for participation in the study, patients will require a referral from their healthcare professional and a formal diagnosis of fibromyalgia. Eligible participants will need to attend the clinic, situated at Griffith University’s Clinical Trial Unit, up to six times over a period of 18 weeks.
Little Green Pharma is supplying a balanced THC: CBD medicinal cannabis oil and the placebo medication. A “balanced” tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) / cannabidiol (CBD) medicine is one that contains equal parts of the two cannabinoids.
Commenting on the initiative, LGP Head of Research & Innovation and clinical researcher Dr Leon Warne said:
“… it is critical that patients join the study so we can continue to understand the clinical benefits of using medicinal cannabis and how it can potentially contribute to an improved quality of life for thousands of Australians who suffer chronic pain.”
Dr Warne is assisting as a co-supervisor of the study, which is a Phase 2 randomised, double blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial.
Further details on the study and guidelines on applying for participation can be found here.
