MGC Pharma's CannEpil treatment for drug-resistant epilepsy has been successfully imported into the UK and delivered to its first patients.
CannEpil is a high-CBD, low-THC medicine administered as an oral mucosal solution. It is now available for doctors listed on the UK General Medical Council specialist register to prescribe via Named Patient Request.
The first patient to receive the treatment was supported by the I am Billy Foundation, an organisation led by Charlotte Caldwell, whose son Billy became the first person to receive an NHS prescription for medicinal cannabis back in 2018.
This delivery advances the RESCAS study, a research initiative in which MGC Pharma's ZAM app will track patients' daily metrics, symptoms, and treatment outcomes to build a clearer picture of how CannEpil affects refractory epilepsy.
The company has also announced board and UK adviser changes as it transitions away from medicinal cannabis toward a more "pharmaceutical-centric" direction.
Chairman Brett Mitchell and non-executive director Nativ Segev will both depart on June 1, with non-executive director Dr Stephen Parker taking on the role of interim chair.
An additional Australian non-executive director will be appointed to meet regulatory requirements.
Managing director Roby Zomer said: "The changes to our key advisers reflect the ongoing work we have undertaken in advancing our pharmaceutical strategy both in the UK and in Australia.
"I would like to thank founding board members, Nativ and Brett, for their efforts and support as we have grown the company over the past eight years, and we will continue to value Brett's insight in his new role as an advisor to the board."
Neurotech International
Neurotech International has received Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC) approval to extend an ongoing phase I/II clinical trial of its NTI164 cannabinoid combination drug formulation in children with PANDAS and PANS, allowing participants to continue receiving treatment up to the age of 20.
Neurotech finished recruiting 15 paediatric patients diagnosed with Paediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections (PANDAS) and Paediatric Acute-Onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome (PANS) earlier this month.
The study will evaluate the safety and efficacy of daily oral treatment over a 12-week period, with findings expected later this year.
Executive director Dr Thomas Duthy said the approval "gives us the utmost flexibility to treat PANDAS and PANS patients if they elect to continue daily oral NTI164 dosing beyond their 12-week treatment phase and into the 54-week extension phase of the trial".
He added: "Our study investigators and parents requested the protocol change to allow a patient who turns 18 years of age while on treatment to remain compliant with the approved study protocol."
Under the previous HREC approval, participation in the trial was limited to patients aged up to 17.
Incannex Healthcare
Incannex Healthcare has expanded the advisory board of its Clarion Clinics Group (CCG) as the company moves forward with plans to open psychedelic therapy clinics in 2023 and beyond.
CCG is a joint venture between Incannex and prominent Australian psychedelics specialists Dr Paul Liknaitzky, Professor Suresh Sundram, and Sean O'Carroll.
The three are now joined on the board by internationally recognised psychedelic medicine professionals Dr Bill Richards, Dr Andrea Jungaberle, and Professor Matthew Johnson.
Incannex Healthcare director Peter Widdows said: "I'm delighted and honoured that such esteemed professionals have decided to join the Clarion Clinics team.
"It's a testament to the vision that Paul, Suresh and Sean are bringing together to provide this vital service to many people in great need.
"As Australia is the first country to legalise the use of psychedelic drugs in the treatment of mental illness, the eyes of the world are upon us, and having people of this calibre and experience on board will help us ensure we provide world-leading effective treatments in an ethical and safe way."
Clarion's first clinic is set to open to patients in Q3 2023, with rapid expansion planned thereafter.
