NHS Ethics Committee Approves Cannabis-Based Trial for Chronic Pain Management, Beyond Cancer

Great news! The National Health Service (NHS) research ethics committee has given the green light to a groundbreaking clinical trial for chronic pain management, using cannabis-based medicine. This exciting initiative is spearheaded by the private health clinic, LVL Health, which has been dedicated to advancing cannabis-based treatments.

Having received conditional approval from the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) previously, LVL Health conducted a feasibility study at the request of the NHS ethics committee. The study, which concluded on December 30 last year, revealed promising results, demonstrating improvements in quality of life, pain relief, and sleep quality, along with a reduction in opioid usage.

James Short, the CEO of Celadon, expressed his delight at the approval, emphasizing their commitment to patient well-being. He stated that the initial study’s positive outcomes were truly tremendous, reaffirming their dedication to improving patients’ lives.

As the only approved trial of its kind in the UK, this pioneering initiative aims to create a comprehensive dataset that will support doctors in prescribing cannabis-based medicines. Ultimately, this dataset could pave the way for potential reimbursement by the NHS and insurance companies. The trial also empowers general practitioners to prescribe the medicine alongside specialist doctors, while charities can actively recruit participants.

Celadon sees this as a major step toward enhancing patient access to cannabis-based treatments in the UK, marking significant progress in their mission to open up the market. Their collaboration with the MHRA ensures that the trial is designed to meet the highest standards, providing robust data for future prescriptions and reimbursements.

The trial itself employs a cutting-edge inhalation device connected to a mobile app, allowing real-time data collection and precise delivery of the medicinal cannabis at doctor-prescribed temperatures. The cannabis product used is of high quality, consistency, and adheres to Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standards. Patients participating in the trial also have access to LVL’s team of specialist pain doctors, as well as round-the-clock clinic support.

The approval of this trial is a significant milestone, bringing hope for improved chronic pain management and paving the way for broader access to cannabis-based medicines in the UK. With the patient’s well-being at the core of their efforts, Celadon and its partners are excited to finalize their rollout plan and contribute to the advancement of medical treatments in the country.