A new cannabis-based drug could become a valuable ally for people with cancer who suffer from loss of appetite and weight loss. Its effect is to make the desire to eat return — just as happens with the so-called munchiesthe munchies associated with cannabis use.
An experimental drug that reignites appetite without psychoactive effects
It is called ART27.13 and was born in the laboratories of the American biotech Artelo Biosciences. It is a compound that acts on the body’s endocannabinoid receptors — the same ones involved in the “hunger” effect typical of cannabis — but without crossing the brain barrier.
In other words, it stimulates the appetite without causing the high.
The drug was tested on 25 cancer patients in a phase II clinical trial, conducted in the United Kingdom and registered under the code ISRCTN15607817. The preliminary results, published by Artelo Biosciences and reported by The Times And Targeted Oncologyshow promising data:
In addition to the improvement in appetite, the researchers observed an increase in lean mass and physical energy, fundamental elements for those facing intense cancer treatments.
Why weight loss in cancer patients is a serious problem
Cancer cachexia — the severe weight loss that affects many cancer patients — does not just affect physical appearance. It is a condition that reduces tolerance to treatment, worsens quality of life and can even compromise survival.
For years, research has been looking for effective solutions to stimulate appetite without unwanted side effects.
Synthetic derivatives of THC, such as dronabinol, have been used in the past, but these drugs often cause mood changes, dizziness and feelings of euphoria. ART27.13, however, seems to overcome this obstacle: it acts on the body but not on the mind.
Preclinical studies also show that the compound can protect muscle cells from degradation, an effect that could help counteract the loss of muscle mass typical of cachexia.
According to experts, if the results were confirmed in larger studies, ART27.13 could represent a turning point in the treatment of cancer-related symptoms, offering concrete help without altering the patient’s perception or mental state.
A more humane future for oncology therapy?
The next step will be to expand the number of participants and verify the safety of the drug in the long term. If all goes as planned, ART27.13 could hit the market as the first cannabis-based drug capable of restoring appetite and weight to cancer patients without psychoactive effects.
A goal that could radically change the approach to treatment, focusing on a medicine that is more respectful of the body and mind, capable of improving not only the symptoms, but the quality of life of those fighting cancer.
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