Pioneering study of cannabis extracts in treating epileptic kids
18 August 2016
A groundbreaking study launching today will investigate current community use of cannabis-based extracts to treat children with severe epilepsy, with the potential to uncover new and more effective medications.
Researchers at the Lambert Initiative at the University of Sydney, in partnership with Epilepsy Action Australia, are launching the PELICAN study (Paediatric Epilepsy Lambert Initiative Cannabinoid Analysis), which will take an in-depth look into use of cannabis-based extracts in treating childhood epilepsy.
Collaboration Agreement signed with Epilepsy Action Australia: For future Australian clinical trials with medicinal cannabis
• The Company has signed a Collaboration Agreement (COA) with Epilepsy Action Australia (EAA)
• Both parties to collaborate on future joint clinical trials using medicinal cannabis for the treatment of severe epilepsy, further enhancing MXC’s expertise in this field
• EAA is the leading Australian epilepsy association that provides support services to children and adults with epilepsy
• COA builds upon the recent appointment of global epilepsy expert, Professor Uri Kramer to MXC’s Strategic Advisory Board to direct the development of clinical trials in Australia and Europe
• Under the COA, EAA will introduce MXC’s CBD products to its members in accordance with their medical requirements
MGC Pharmaceuticals Ltd (ASX: MXC or “the Company”), is pleased to announce that it has signed a strategic Collaboration Agreement (COA) with Epilepsy Action Australia (EAA). The partnership will see EAA and MGC Pharmaceuticals collaborating to improve health outcomes for people suffering from epilepsy and further enhances the Company’s management expertise in the field of epilepsy.
Under the COA, EAA will facilitate and coordinate research partnerships, and assist with the selection of study participants and medical doctors for a future clinical trial into the efficacy of medical cannabis as a potential prevention treatment for epilepsy. MGC Pharmaceuticals is to be responsible for the provision of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API) medicinal cannabis materials for the trial and providing industry knowledge and expertise.
Epilepsy Action Australia’s key goals are to increase epilepsy awareness and understanding and assist individuals and families who are living with epilepsy. EAA endeavours to undertake research and advocacy into possible treatments that improve health outcomes for people with epilepsy. According to EAA, it is estimated that over 250,000 Australians are living with epilepsy and that 3% of Australians will experience the condition at some point in their life1 .
The signing of the COA builds upon the July 2016 appointment of global epilepsy expert, Professor Uri Kramer to the Company’s Strategic Advisory Board. Professor Kramer is a leading Israeli Paediatric Epilepsy expert and will be responsible for the development of future clinical trial programs in Australia and Europe.
With appropriate government support and the involvement of key stakeholders, the Company is continuing to progress towards the future commencement of clinical trials in Australia and Europe. A key focus of the clinical trials will relate to medical cannabis as a potential treatment of severe epilepsy in children.
Additionally, under the agenda of “Responsible Use of Cannabis”, EAA will introduce MXC’s products to its members in accordance with their medical requirements. This could include MXC’s future API medicinal cannabis products.
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