Avextra Pharma’s cannabis-based medicine, Avextra 10/10 (a 1:1 THC/CBD extract), demonstrated superior efficacy and tolerability in treating chemotherapy-induced neuropathic pain (CINP) in a retrospective study called OCEAN-R. The study, presented at the German Pain Association’s annual congress, compared Avextra 10/10 to standard CINP treatments like opioids, antidepressants, and antiepileptics. The results showed significant pain reduction, improved quality of life, and better tolerability for patients using Avextra 10/10.
This positive data is crucial for cancer patients who often experience debilitating CINP, a side effect of chemotherapy that conventional treatments struggle to address. The high prevalence of CINP and the limited effectiveness of existing therapies underscore the need for new treatment options. Avextra 10/10’s promising results offer hope for improved pain management and quality of life for these patients, potentially reducing their reliance on strong opioids. This advancement could significantly impact the supportive care landscape in oncology.
The OCEAN-R study, based on data from the Database PraxisRegister Schmerz, analyzed 442 patients treated with either Avextra 10/10 or standard non-cannabis-based analgesics. The study’s primary endpoint assessed pain intensity, quality of life, and treatment tolerability over 12 weeks. Results indicated a greater reduction in pain intensity and improvements in sleep and pain-related impairments for the Avextra 10/10 group. Notably, treatment discontinuation due to adverse events was significantly lower (9.5%) in the Avextra 10/10 group compared to the non-cannabis treatment group.
This successful study positions Avextra 10/10 as a potential front-runner in CINP treatment, potentially changing clinical practice and offering patients a much-needed alternative. Further research and broader adoption of cannabis-based medicines like Avextra 10/10 could reshape the pain management landscape, particularly within oncology. This development could also spur further investigation into cannabinoid therapies for other chronic pain conditions.
Jon Napitupulu is Director of Media Relations at The Clinical Trial Vanguard. Jon, a computer data scientist, focuses on the latest clinical trial industry news and trends.
