University of Oxford investigates potential of CBD in the treatment of psychosis

O Oxford University Department of Psychiatry received 16,5 million pounds (about 18,5 million euros) from the charitable foundation Wellcome to lead a study that will investigate the potential of CBD (cannabidiol) in the treatment of psychosis or psychotic symptoms. A Jazz Pharmaceuticals, in addition to providing funding for the trial, will also provide Epidyolex, a drug approved for the treatment of refractory epilepsy and tuberous sclerosis, free of charge. 

The research will take place in 35 centers around the world, mainly in Europe and North America. The program, entitled Stratification and Treatment in Early Psychosis (STEP), involves XNUMX people and will study patients with psychosis who have not responded to conventional treatment, patients with a first episode of psychosis, and even those at high risk of psychosis. The study will focus on the use of cannabidiol (CBD), one of several chemical components found in cannabis that does not produce a feeling of intoxication, namely Epidyolex, from Jazz Pharmaceuticals, which will provide it free of charge for the trial.

STEP will aim to identify biomarkers to personalize treatment in the future.

Philip McGuire, the Oxford University professor who is leading the study, said in a statement: “Many people with psychosis are open to trying cannabidiol and previous smaller scale studies have indicated that it has beneficial effects. Cannabidiol is one of the most promising new treatments for people with psychoses.”

Oxford University Department of Psychiatry. Photo: DR

The study will explore not only the treatment of already established psychoses, but also whether CBD can prevent the onset of psychoses in high-risk individuals. "This study could provide us with a new type of treatment for psychosis and we are extremely grateful to Wellcome and Jazz Pharmaceuticals for helping us make it a reality," added McGuire.

For her part, Lynsey Bilsland, head of mental health at Wellcome, said: "This exciting program will help us find out if cannabidiol is effective in treating psychosis at various stages by testing it on a scale."

Although antipsychotics are commonly used to treat psychosis, they can have significant side effects and patients often stop taking them, and they don't work for everyone.