Media: medicinal cannabis trial for children with autism at Monash Children’s Hospital
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A clinical trial led through Monash Children’s Hospital exploring the use of medicinal cannabis for children and young people with autism spectrum disorder has been featured on A Current Affair.
The work is being led by Dr Michael Fahey, a neurologist at Monash Children’s Hospital and Professor in Monash University’s Department of Paediatrics.
Early studies of NTI164 have shown encouraging results in children with ASD, with the treatment associated with statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvements in areas including severity of illness, social behaviour and communication.
Dr Fahey told A Current Affair the early results were positive, while emphasising the importance of continuing the research.
‘It is a good result and needs validating. We need to keep on working,’ Dr Fahey said.
The clinical trial with Neurotech International reflects Monash Health’s commitment to advancing research that can support new treatment options and improve care for children and families.
Phase III trial planned
The next stage of the research will be a larger Phase III trial, known as HarmonyPlus, which will further investigate the safety and effectiveness of NTI164.
The double-blind, randomised study at Monash Children’s Hospital will get underway later this year, recruiting 200 children and young adults aged 6 to 25 years.
Participants will have a diagnosis of ASD Level II or III.
The trial will assess the efficacy of 16 weeks of daily oral administration of NTI164 on ASD symptoms compared to taking a placebo.
