New Clinical Trial for CBD Treatment for COVID-19

Companies are constantly looking for new medical uses for cannabidiol (CBD). COVID-19 has presented a new opportunity for one such company, Stero Biotechs. The Israel-based biotech company has announced a new clinical trial using CBD-Steroid for COVID-19 treatments.

 

Clinical Trial using CBD-Steroids

The trial itself is a small-scale, clinical trial using 10 patients. The trial will be conducted at Rabin Medical Center Golda HaSharon Campus beginning on an unspecified date in April. The treatment cycle will last for an unspecified number of weeks with a follow-up period of the same length. While the reported details for the trial are vague, the company reports that the aim is to benefit patients hospitalised with COVID-19. David Bassa, the Founder and CEO of Stero Biotechs, states, “We are hopeful that this study will lead to [benefits] for the growing number of COVID-19 patients in Israel and around the world.”

The company has plans for expansion pending success of the initial trial. Phase 2a would consist of a multi-center clinical trial with an additional 40 hospitalised patients. This trial would be in accordance with FDA guidelines.

 

Stero Biotechs Overview

Stero Biotechs is a clinical-stage company focused on CBD research. Their past research has focused on autoimmune and inflammatory diseases and the role of CBD as a treatment option. Through their research, they believe that CBD will enhance the benefits of steroid treatment. Bassa stated, “Hospitalised COVID-19 patients are mostly being treated with steroids and our study is planned to demonstrate the benefit of a combined solution with steroid treatments.”

 

CBD in Medicine

While many may hope that CBD has extensive health benefits, the health benefits confirmed by research have not been as extensive. The strongest evidence supports the use of CBD in childhood epilepsy syndromes, such as Dravet Syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut. There is also some evidence that CBD may improve anxiety and insomnia. Other studies report the effectiveness of CBD in chronic pain in animal models, but have yet to confirm these findings in human participants.

 

Summary

Stero Biotech has applied its experience with CBD research to COVID-19. Their new clinical trial beginning in April will examine the effectiveness of CBD-Steroid combination treatment on hospitalised patients. This trial will add more information to the ever-growing field of CBD research during a frightening time for many.

Share this article