German Drug Company Claims First Non-Addictive Cannabis Painkiller

A German pharmaceutical company, Vertanical, has announced the development of VER-01, a groundbreaking cannabis-derived drug that is reportedly the first non-addictive and clinically-proven painkiller made from the plant. This new medication could provide a much-needed alternative to opioid-based treatments for chronic pain sufferers worldwide.

VER-01: A New Era in Cannabis Based Pain Relief

The drug, which contains a cannabis extract with low levels of THC, has undergone rigorous controlled trials involving approximately 800 patients. The results suggest that VER-01 effectively reduces pain without causing addiction, intoxication, or serious side effects.

The clinical trials specifically tested the drug on individuals suffering from chronic lower back pain. Half of the participants received the experimental drug, while the other half were given a placebo. According to Vertanical, patients who took VER-01 reported a significant reduction in pain and improved sleep quality.

Unlike traditional cannabis-based medications, VER-01 contains only minimal amounts of THC, ensuring that patients do not experience the psychoactive effects commonly associated with cannabis use. However, about one in five participants did report mild dizziness in the initial weeks of treatment, though the symptom subsided over time.

Clinical Trials Submitted for Review by The Lancet

The results of the clinical trials have been submitted for review by The Lancet, a leading medical journal. If the findings are validated, it could mark a major breakthrough in pain management.

Dr. Clemens Fischer, CEO of Munich-based Vertanical, highlighted the urgent need for alternatives to opioids, stating:

He further emphasized that VER-01 demonstrated none of these adverse effects throughout years of research and clinical trials, while significantly improving patients’ quality of life.

Chronic Pain: A Global Health Crisis

Chronic pain affects over 1.5 billion people worldwide, surpassing the prevalence of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer combined. Back pain is the most common form of chronic pain, impacting millions of individuals and often leading to long-term disability.

In the UK alone, it is estimated that 60-80% of people will experience back pain at some point in their lives, according to the NHS. This highlights the urgent need for safer and more effective pain management solutions.

Regulatory Approval and Future Availability

Vertanical has already applied for regulatory approval in Europe, and if approved, the medication will be marketed under the brand name Exilby. The company has also initiated discussions with the UK’s Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) to seek approval for use in Britain.

While cannabis remains classified as a Class B drug in the UK, regulatory changes in 2018 allowed specialist doctors to prescribe cannabis-based medicines. However, only a few cannabis-derived treatments, such as Sativex and Epidyolex, have been approved so far. If successful, Exilby could join these treatments as a legal and regulated option for chronic pain management.

A Potential Shift in Pain Management

The emergence of VER-01 as a non-addictive, cannabis derived painkiller could transform the landscape of pain management, offering a viable alternative to opioid medications. With increasing concerns over opioid dependence and overdose rates, a safer alternative like Exilby may become a game-changer for millions of chronic pain sufferers worldwide.

As the scientific community awaits The Lancet’s review and regulatory decisions, patients and healthcare professionals alike are watching closely. If approved, this innovative drug could provide new hope for those struggling with chronic pain and the risks associated with opioid use.