Full-spectrum Medical Cannabis for Treatment of Spasticity in Patients With Severe Forms of Cerebral Palsy (HemPhar)

Full-spectrum Medical Canabis Product (HemPhar) With a CBD:THC Ratio of 10:1 for Treatment of Spasticity in Children and Young Adults With Severe Forms of Cerebral Palsy

The proposed study is a double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross over study on 60 children aged 5 to 25 years with severe spasticity related to cerebral palsy (CP), level IV and V with full-spectrum medical cannabis product of CBD/THC ratio 10:1.

Study Overview

• Status: Completed
• Conditions: Quality of Life; Cannabis; Physical Disability; Spastic Cerebral Palsy; Children, Adult
• Intervention / Treatment: Drug: Placebo; Diagnostic test: ECG; Diagnostic test: Lab tests; Diagnostic test: Cannabinoid Levels; Drug: Full-spectrum Medical Canabis Product (HemPhar); Diagnostic test: Spasticity level according to modified Ashworth scale (Bohannon); Diagnostic test: Gross Motor Function Measure; Diagnostic test: Borg rating of perceived exertion scale; Diagnostic test: Edmonton symptom assessment system

Detailed Description

Test components:

A) Active: Full-spectrum medical cannabis with ratio of CBD:THC 10:1 (HemPhar)

B) Placebo (both of the same producer)

Study Steps

1. Informed consent should be signed by parents/caregivers.
2. Weight of the participant should be determined and an IV line inserted. The following lab tests should be performed: CBC and differential counts, blood electrolytes, magnesium, calcium, phosphorus, urea & creatinine, liver enzymes (AST, ALT, gGT)
3. ECG performed and analyzed
4. A trained physiotherapist will perform the following motor assessments: spasticity level according to modified Ashworth scale (Bohannon), function/activity assessment with the use of Gross Motor Function Measure scale (GMFM-88) and assessment of muscle power with dynamometer.
5. Randomization of patients into one of the two arms of the study
6. Active substance or placebo are introduced thereafter (as an oral oily solution for oral application) in a starting dose of 0.08 mg/kg body weight (BWt)/day divided in 2 doses (the dose is according to the THC content). The dose is gradually increased, every 3 days for 0.08 mg THC/ kg BWt/day, until the maximum dose of 1 mg THC/kg BWt/day is reached, or else until adverse effects are noted. It is expected that the average dose will be 0.33 mg/kg BWt per day.
7. The parents/caregivers are given questionnaires/scales and also given oral instructions on how to fulfil them (Edmonton scale, Borg scale and Global Impression of Change - GIC) and the paper to take down notes on possible side/adverse effects while taking the preparation (either active substance or placebo).
8. After 6 weeks of taking the substance or at the premature end of the study again the lab tests will be performed as well as the motor assessment by the physiotherapist (as above at inclusion).
9. In patients, who have been receiving placebo for the first 6 weeks, the active substance is given for the next 6 weeks, as described above (under 6). The patients who have been receiving the active substance for the first 6 weeks will continue to do so for the next 6 weeks.
10. Additional blood samples are taken at 6 weeks in both groups for analysis of levels of cannabidiol (CBD) as well as delta-9-tetrahydrocannbinol (THC) - around 4 ml of blood for determination of both levels at time(s) after ingestion: 0, 1, 2, 4, 8 and 24 hours.

11. At the end of the study (after 12 weeks) again repeat:

    1. CBC and differential counts, blood electrolytes, magnesium, calcium, phosphorus, urea & creatinine, liver enzymes (AST, ALT, gGT)
    2. ECG
    3. Motor assessments by a physiotherapist (Ashworth/Bohannon, GMFM 88, dynamometer)
    4. Pharmacokinetics: 4 ml of blood for determination of phamacokinetics after ingestion of the last dose (as in point 10 above)
12. Evaluation of the questionnaires

NOTE: if severe side/adverse effects are noted, the test compound should be stopped immediately. If mild/moderate side/adverse effects are noted, the test component should be gradually stopped: for 0,08 mg/kg BWt/day, every 3 days.

• Study Type: Interventional
• Enrollment (Actual): 55
• Phase: Not Applicable

Contacts and Locations

• Study Contact: Name: Milica Stefanović, MD; Phone Number: 9215 +386(01)522; Email: milica.stefanovic@kclj.si
• Study Contact Backup: Name: David Neubauer, MD,PhD; Phone Number: 9231 +386(01)522; Email: david.neubauer@mf.uni-lj.si

Study Locations

• Slovenia
  • Ljubljana, Slovenia
    • University Medical Centre Ljubljana
  • Ljubljana, Slovenia, 1000
    • PharmaHemp

Participation Criteria

Eligibility Criteria

• Ages Eligible for Study: 3 years to 23 years (Child, Adult)
• Accepts Healthy Volunteers: No

Description

Inclusion criteria:

• With confirmed diagnosis of cerebral palsy (CP) and classified according to the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) as level IV or V
• With spastic unilateral or spastic bilateral type of CP
• Those children/young adults whose parents/caregivers were informed about the aims of the study and have signed the Informed consent form

Exclusion criteria:

• Other proven diseases/conditions with the prevalence of spastic type of muscle tone (e.g. neurodegenerative, metabolic, etc.), and children with liver disease
• Other forms of CP (dyskinetic, ataxic)
• History of psychiatric illness/condition in the family

Study Plan

How is the study designed?

Design Details

• Primary Purpose: Treatment
• Allocation: Randomized
• Interventional Model: Crossover Assignment
• Masking: Quadruple

Number of Arms

2

Arms and Interventions

Participant Group / Arm	Intervention / Treatment
Active Comparator: Active Substance: Full-spectrum Medical Canabis Product (HemPhar); For research purposes the investigators will use a preparation in the form of drops, containing full-spectrum medical cannabis extract (HemPhar) with THC:CBD ratio 1:10, and other cannabinoids as well, provided by Pharmahemp, GMP-certified medical cannabis producer.	Diagnostic test: ECG; Electrocardiogram; Diagnostic test: Lab tests; CBC and differential counts, blood electrolytes, magnesium, calcium, phosphorus, urea & creatinine, liver enzymes (AST, ALT, gGT); Other Names: Basic hematology and biochemistry; Diagnostic test: Cannabinoid Levels; Determination of levels of cannabidiol (CBD) and delta-9-tetrahydrocannbinol (THC) for determination of levels at following time(s) after ingestion: 0, 1, 2, 4, 8 and 24 hours.; Other Names: Pharmacokinetics of cannabinoids; Drug: Full-spectrum Medical Canabis Product (HemPhar); Active substance; Other Names: Active substance; Diagnostic test: Spasticity level according to modified Ashworth scale (Bohannon); A trained physiotherapist will assess spasticity level according to modified Ashworth scale (Bohannon), which is 6-level scale for assessment of spasticity. Modified Ashworth/Bohannon Scoring Scale (Bohannon and Smith, 1987): 0 No increase in muscle tone; Slight increase in muscle tone, manifested by a catch and release or by minimal resistance at the end of the range of motion when the affected part(s) is moved in flexion or extension 1+ Slight increase in muscle tone, manifested by a catch, followed by minimal resistance throughout the remainder (less than half) of the range of movement (ROM ); More marked increase in muscle tone through most of the ROM, but affected part(s) easily moved; Considerable increase in muscle tone, passive movement difficult; Affected part(s) rigid in flexion or extension Best score is 0 (no spasticity), worst score is 4 (severe spasticity).; Diagnostic test: Gross Motor Function Measure; A trained physiotherapist will assess Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM-88) which is commonly used in the evaluation of gross motor function in children with cerebral palsy The Gross Motor Function Measure-88 (GMFM-88) is a standardized observational instrument developed to measure change in gross motor function over time. The test consists of 88 items categorized in five dimensions (Dimension A: lying and rolling, Dimension B: sitting, Dimension C: crawling and kneeling, Dimension D: standing and Dimension E: walking, running and jumping). The test was conducted as described in the GMFM-88 manual . A percentage score as compared to maximum is calculated for each dimension and for the total score of the five dimensions. Reference curves exist for GMFM-88 for each age group. Floor score is 4 (minimum score / worst), ceiling score (maximum score / best) is 75.; Diagnostic test: Borg rating of perceived exertion scale; Borg rating of perceived exertion scale; Diagnostic test: Edmonton symptom assessment system; Edmonton symptom assessment system and general impression scale (1 - very much improved; 7 - very much worse).
Placebo Comparator: Placebo; For research purposes the investigators will use a placebo in the form of drops, containing oil only, provided by Pharmahemp, GMP-certified medical cannabis producer.	Drug: Placebo; Placebo; Diagnostic test: ECG; Electrocardiogram; Diagnostic test: Lab tests; CBC and differential counts, blood electrolytes, magnesium, calcium, phosphorus, urea & creatinine, liver enzymes (AST, ALT, gGT); Other Names: Basic hematology and biochemistry; Diagnostic test: Spasticity level according to modified Ashworth scale (Bohannon); A trained physiotherapist will assess spasticity level according to modified Ashworth scale (Bohannon), which is 6-level scale for assessment of spasticity. Modified Ashworth/Bohannon Scoring Scale (Bohannon and Smith, 1987): 0 No increase in muscle tone; Slight increase in muscle tone, manifested by a catch and release or by minimal resistance at the end of the range of motion when the affected part(s) is moved in flexion or extension 1+ Slight increase in muscle tone, manifested by a catch, followed by minimal resistance throughout the remainder (less than half) of the range of movement (ROM ); More marked increase in muscle tone through most of the ROM, but affected part(s) easily moved; Considerable increase in muscle tone, passive movement difficult; Affected part(s) rigid in flexion or extension Best score is 0 (no spasticity), worst score is 4 (severe spasticity).; Diagnostic test: Gross Motor Function Measure; A trained physiotherapist will assess Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM-88) which is commonly used in the evaluation of gross motor function in children with cerebral palsy The Gross Motor Function Measure-88 (GMFM-88) is a standardized observational instrument developed to measure change in gross motor function over time. The test consists of 88 items categorized in five dimensions (Dimension A: lying and rolling, Dimension B: sitting, Dimension C: crawling and kneeling, Dimension D: standing and Dimension E: walking, running and jumping). The test was conducted as described in the GMFM-88 manual . A percentage score as compared to maximum is calculated for each dimension and for the total score of the five dimensions. Reference curves exist for GMFM-88 for each age group. Floor score is 4 (minimum score / worst), ceiling score (maximum score / best) is 75.; Diagnostic test: Borg rating of perceived exertion scale; Borg rating of perceived exertion scale; Diagnostic test: Edmonton symptom assessment system; Edmonton symptom assessment system and general impression scale (1 - very much improved; 7 - very much worse).

What is the study measuring?

Primary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure	Measure Description	Time Frame
Effect on spasticity (6w; FSMC vs placebo)	A trained physiotherapist will assess spasticity level according to modified Ashworth scale (Bohannon), which is 6-level scale for assessment of spasticity. Modified Ashworth/Bohannon Scoring Scale (Bohannon and Smith, 1987): 0 No increase in muscle tone; Slight increase in muscle tone, manifested by a catch and release or by minimal resistance at the end of the range of motion when the affected part(s) is moved in flexion or extension 1+ Slight increase in muscle tone, manifested by a catch, followed by minimal resistance throughout the remainder (less than half) of the range of movement (ROM ); More marked increase in muscle tone through most of the ROM, but affected part(s) easily moved; Considerable increase in muscle tone, passive movement difficult; Affected part(s) rigid in flexion or extension Best score is 0 (no spasticity), worst score is 4 (severe spasticity).	6 weeks
Effect on Gross Motor Function Measure (6w; FSMC vs placebo)	A trained physiotherapist will assess Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM-88) which is commonly used in the evaluation of gross motor function in children with cerebral palsy The Gross Motor Function Measure-88 (GMFM-88) is a standardized observational instrument developed to measure change in gross motor function over time. The test consists of 88 items categorized in five dimensions (Dimension A: lying and rolling, Dimension B: sitting, Dimension C: crawling and kneeling, Dimension D: standing and Dimension E: walking, running and jumping). The test was conducted as described in the GMFM-88 manual . A percentage score as compared to maximum is calculated for each dimension and for the total score of the five dimensions. Reference curves exist for GMFM-88 for each age group. Floor score is 4 (minimum score / worst), ceiling score (maximum score / best) is 75.	6 weeks
Effect on spasticity (12w; 12w-FSMC vs 6w-FSMC)	A trained physiotherapist will assess spasticity level according to modified Ashworth scale (Bohannon), which is 6-level scale for assessment of spasticity Modified Ashworth/Bohannon Scoring Scale (Bohannon and Smith, 1987): 0 No increase in muscle tone; Slight increase in muscle tone, manifested by a catch and release or by minimal resistance at the end of the range of motion when the affected part(s) is moved in flexion or extension 1+ Slight increase in muscle tone, manifested by a catch, followed by minimal resistance throughout the remainder (less than half) of the range of movement (ROM ); More marked increase in muscle tone through most of the ROM, but affected part(s) easily moved; Considerable increase in muscle tone, passive movement difficult; Affected part(s) rigid in flexion or extension Best score is 0 (no spasticity), worst score is 4 (severe spasticity).	12 weeks
Effect on Gross Motor Function Measure (12w; 12w-FSMC vs 6w-FSMC)	A trained physiotherapist will assess Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM-88) which is commonly used in the evaluation of gross motor function in children with cerebral palsy. The Gross Motor Function Measure-88 (GMFM-88) is a standardized observational instrument developed to measure change in gross motor function over time. The test consists of 88 items categorized in five dimensions (Dimension A: lying and rolling, Dimension B: sitting, Dimension C: crawling and kneeling, Dimension D: standing and Dimension E: walking, running and jumping). The test was conducted as described in the GMFM-88 manual . A percentage score as compared to maximum is calculated for each dimension and for the total score of the five dimensions. Reference curves exist for GMFM-88 for each age group. Floor score is 4 (minimum score / worst), ceiling score (maximum score / best) is 75.	12 weeks
Safety and tolerability of FSMC	Incidence of Treatment-Emergent Adverse Events [Safety and Tolerability]	12 weeks

Collaborators and Investigators

• Sponsor: University Medical Centre Ljubljana
• Collaborators: University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Medicine; PharmaHemp
• Investigators: Study Director: Damjan Osredkar, MD, PhD, UMC Ljubljana

Study record dates

Study Major Dates

• Study Start (Actual): October 15, 2020
• Primary Completion (Actual): December 1, 2022
• Study Completion (Actual): December 31, 2022

Study Registration Dates

• First Submitted: November 4, 2020
• First Submitted That Met QC Criteria: November 17, 2020
• First Posted (Actual): November 18, 2020

Study Record Updates

• Last Update Posted (Actual): May 10, 2023
• Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria: May 8, 2023
• Last Verified: May 1, 2023

More Information

Terms related to this study

• Keywords: quality of life; young adult; child; cerebral palsy; severe spasticity; cannabis treatment
• Additional Relevant MeSH Terms: Mental Disorders; Chemically-Induced Disorders; Brain Diseases; Central Nervous System Diseases; Nervous System Diseases; Substance-Related Disorders; Neurologic Manifestations; Brain Damage, Chronic; Musculoskeletal Diseases; Muscular Diseases; Neuromuscular Manifestations; Muscle Hypertonia; Cerebral Palsy; Marijuana Abuse; Paralysis; Muscle Spasticity
• Other Study ID Numbers: 0120-162/2017/8

Drug and device information, study documents

• Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated drug product: No
• Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated device product: No