Leading medicinal cannabis company Cannim has announced its UK operations will be based at Birmingham’s Precision Health Technologies Accelerator (PHTA), as part of a partnership aimed at furthering its research and improving patient outcomes.
Cannim was established in Australia in 2017, curating products from across a network of EU GMP manufacturers, and aims to develop medicinal cannabis to the highest pharmaceutical standards through the Lumir Clinic.
The collaboration with PHTA will focus on expanding the understanding of the endocannabinoid system, a crucial yet underexplored physiological system that helps maintain balance within the body. Phytocannabinoids – compounds found in the cannabis plant – have shown promise in treating a variety of conditions such as chronic pain, stress, and sleep disorders, by interacting with this system.
Through their partnership, PHTA and Cannim’s Lumir Clinic will launch a series of observational clinical trials, initially focusing on veterans suffering from PTSD. These studies will lay the groundwork for future randomised controlled trials aimed at further exploring the therapeutic potential of medical cannabis. The research will also extend to women’s health issues, such as dysmenorrhea and menopause, as well as age-related conditions like Alzheimer’s.
The partnership seeks to pioneer a citizen science model, where patients provide valuable feedback on how medicinal cannabis impacts their health and wellbeing. This patient-led data will drive future clinical research, ensuring that medical cannabis treatments are developed with patient experiences at the forefront.
Stuart Marsh, Chief Growth Officer of Cannim and a graduate of the University of Birmingham, said:
“We’re thrilled to be collaborating with PHTA and the University of Birmingham to further explore the transformative potential of medicinal cannabis. By combining our scientific expertise with the University’s cutting-edge research, we aim to improve patient outcomes and build a comprehensive understanding of how cannabis can best be used to treat a range of conditions.”
Medicinal cannabis was legalised in the UK in 2018 but remains a ‘specials’[1] prescription treatment. Despite this, there is still a significant knowledge gap within the medical community, with many doctors and patients unaware that medical cannabis is prescribable in the UK.
Professor Anup Mathew, Medical Director of the Lumir Clinic, said:
“Our goal is not only to provide evidence-based solutions for those in need but also to break down the barriers around the stigma of medicinal cannabis. We are committed to ensuring that both healthcare professionals and patients have access to the latest research and treatments.”
Professor Gino Martini, CEO of PHTA, said:
“This partnership highlights the unique role of the University of Birmingham and PHTA as leaders in medical research, bringing together academia and industry to address important gaps in knowledge about medicinal cannabis and its potential to improve lives.
“Cannim and PHTA are excited to push forward on this initiative, positioning Birmingham as a future research hub for medical cannabis and cannabinoid studies in the UK and beyond.”
[1] ‘Specials’ are products which have been specially manufactured or imported for the treatment of an individual patient, and can be used if procured by an MHRA-authorised prescriber.
Article provided by PHTA.
