Cannabis-based Medication Aims to Combat Weight Loss in Cancer Patients

A new cannabis-based medication developed by the UK biotechnology firm Artelo Biosciences shows promise in helping cancer patients combat significant weight loss due to a condition known as cachexia. Approximately 80% of advanced cancer patients experience this debilitating syndrome, characterized by severe muscle loss and reduced appetite.

Current treatments for cachexia often include medications designed to stimulate hunger. However, these options do not work for all patients. The innovative drug developed by Artelo leverages the well-documented “munchies” effect associated with cannabis, which enhances appetite and taste without causing a high. This is achieved by targeting cannabinoid receptors while preventing penetration into the brain.

Clinical trials of the experimental medication, which is administered in tablet form, yielded promising results. According to data reported in the Express, patients with advanced cancer who received the medication gained an average of 6.4% of their body weight over a 12-week period. In contrast, those receiving a placebo lost an average of 5.4% of their body weight during the same timeframe.

Impact of the Medication on Patients

The clinical study involved 25 participants suffering from various forms of advanced cancer. Researchers utilized wearable monitoring devices to track the physical activity of the subjects. Notably, those taking the medication experienced an increase in physical activity, while placebo recipients became less active. Interestingly, participants did not report feeling significantly hungrier, indicating that the medication may facilitate weight gain through mechanisms beyond just appetite stimulation.

Lead researcher Professor Barry Laird, a palliative care specialist at the University of Oslo, highlighted the broader implications of the findings. He shared anecdotes of patients who were able to return to activities they enjoyed, including one who played a round of golf and another who managed a weekend getaway. “There’s a huge degree of stress associated with cancer weight loss because eating is a core part of human existence,” Laird explained during his presentation at a cachexia conference held in Turin, Italy last month.

He emphasized the emotional toll that weight loss can impose not only on patients but also on their caregivers and families. “Patients being able to go back to the dinner table again and enjoy a meal with their loved ones is extremely impactful. It’s a quality of life issue,” he added.

Future of the Treatment

Given the positive results from the initial trials, Artelo Biosciences aims to proceed to larger phase three studies. Andy Yates, the company’s chief scientific officer, indicated that if the upcoming studies prove successful, the medication could potentially become available by 2028. Yates expressed confidence that the drug could not only improve the quality of life for patients and their families but also lead to reduced treatment costs in the long run.

As discussions surrounding cannabis-based therapies gain momentum, this breakthrough may pave the way for more effective treatment options for those grappling with the weight loss challenges posed by advanced cancer. The implications extend beyond mere numbers; they resonate deeply within the lives of patients and their loved ones who seek to reclaim some semblance of normalcy and joy amidst the struggles of illness.