Avecho Biotechnology has announced positive results from a Phase IIa study examining the effects of its topically applied CBD formulation on the symptoms of osteoarthritis.
During four weeks of treatment, the study demonstrated significant daily improvements in hand pain, functionality, grip strength, finger stiffness, and anxiety.
Run in collaboration with the Lambert Initiative, Avecho is now planning larger, placebo-controlled studies with Lambert to explore the treatment’s full potential.
Principal investigator Dr Daniel Lewis from the Daniel Lewis Rheumatology Centre said: “If further trials replicate the benefits seen in this initial trial then we believe this topical therapy will become a cornerstone [treatment] for the management of hand osteoarthritis.”
Co-investigator Professor Iain McGregor from Lambert added: “The results have surpassed our expectations and clearly warrant further clinical research to tease out the specific effect of CBD and an associated mechanism of action.”
Avecho has begun working with prescribing doctors to make the formulation available immediately through compounding pharmacies.
The Faculty of Pain Medicine at the Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists (ANZCA) has previously claimed more clinical trials are required to prove cannabinoids are effective in alleviating suffering.
