Bedrobinol cannabis used in Australian advanced cancer and anorexia clinical trial

The first of its kind in Australia, Bedrocan’s cannabis flos and placebo will be used in an investigator-led clinical trial in people with advanced cancer and anorexia. Led by Professor Meera Agar, the non-randomised clinical trial will explore the pharmacokinetics and dose-response parameters of vaporized medicinal cannabis flos and obtain preliminary data on its ability to promote appetite and improve quality of life. For people with advanced cancer, the pathways that promote appetite are disrupted. Their quality of life is reduced due to fatigue, low mood, nausea and insomnia – aspects critical to health and wellbeing.

Participants were administered increasing doses of the vaporized Bedrobinol® (THC: 13.5%) one hour before meals three times a day for a period of seven days, unless side effects occurred. Participants had blood samples taken at multiple time points up to four hours following each morning dose to determine the concentration of the drug in the blood. They were also asked to complete questionnaires and a daily food record to monitor the effect on appetite, mood and other factors.

This trial is now complete and is no longer enrolling new participants. The study findings are being finalised for publication.

Not all vaporizers are the same

For more on vaporization as a way of administering cannabis flos, read the article Not all vaporizers are the same.