Biosignature of the Response to Treatment With Cannabis Oil in Individuals With Fibromyalgia

Trial details

Who runs it

Rambam Health Care Campus

Trial code

NCT06946940

Record updated

27 April 2025

Original description

Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition that causes widespread pain, fatigue, and other symptoms, significantly affecting quality of life. Unfortunately, there are few effective treatments available. Recently, medical cannabis has gained attention as a potential treatment, leading many countries to approve its use for fibromyalgia. However, its success is limited-only about 25% of patients experience meaningful pain relief, and side effects like dizziness or fatigue are common. Not everyone responds to medical cannabis the same way, and researchers think this variability may partly be explained by differences in the gut microbiome-the community of bacteria and other microorganisms living in our digestive system. These microbes are known to influence various aspects of health, including pain and how the body processes medications. Our research focuses on understanding the link between the gut microbiome and fibromyalgia. We propose a study where 150 fibromyalgia patients will be treated with either cannabis oil or a placebo in a double-blind trial. By analyzing their symptoms and gut microbiome, we hope to identify patterns that could predict who will benefit most from cannabis treatment. If successful, this research could lead to more personalized and effective treatment options for fibromyalgia.Read full original descriptionShow less

Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition that causes widespread pain, fatigue, and other symptoms, significantly affecting quality of life. Unfortunately, there are few effective treatments available. Recently, medical cannabis has gained attention as a potential treatment, leading many countries to approve its use for fibromyalgia. However, its success is limited-only about 25% of patients experience meaningful pain relief, and side effects like dizziness or fatigue are common. Not everyone responds to medical cannabis the same way, and researchers think this variability may partly be explained by differences in the gut microbiome-the community of bacteria and other microorganisms living in our digestive system. These microbes are known to influence various aspects of health, including pain and how the body processes medications. Our research focuses on understanding the link between the gut microbiome and fibromyalgia. We propose a study where 150 fibromyalgia patients will be treated with either cannabis oil or a placebo in a double-blind trial. By analyzing their symptoms and gut microbiome, we hope to identify patterns that could predict who will benefit most from cannabis treatment. If successful, this research could lead to more personalized and effective treatment options for fibromyalgia.

Inclusion: Adult men and women aged 30 years and over; Diagnosis of fibromyalgia confirmed according to the 2016 diagnostic criteria by a pain specialist, with relevant symptoms lasting 12 months or more; An average reported pain ≥ 6 during the preceding week; Eligible for cannabis at the discretion of the treating physician; Has remained symptomatic despite receiving standard care for fibromyalgia including analgesics, anti-depressants (tricyclic and SNRI) and anti-epileptic agents.

Exclusion: Any significant comorbid condition at the discretion of the PI (e.g. inflammatory arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, cancer); Personal or family history of psychotic disorders; Current or past anxiety disorder; Any uncontrolled psychiatric pathology; Current or history of substance addiction or abuse; Diagnosed dementia or cognitive impairment; Personal history of cardiovascular disease; Known allergy to any of the cannabis oil ingredients; Patients with a history of seizure disorder (excluding childhood febrile convulsions) or epilepsy; Active liver disease; Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD); Patients who have used cannabis during the preceding month; Pregnancy, lactation or intention to conceive; Any contraindication to the use of MC.

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT06946940