Breakthrough Trial Shows New Drug Can Help People Quit Marijuana
A new drug has shown promise in breaking marijuana addiction, according to a groundbreaking trial published in the journal Nature Medicine. The drug, called ABT-420, is a small molecule that targets the endocannabinoid system, which is involved in the regulation of mood, appetite, and pain.
The trial, which was conducted at the University of California, San Francisco, involved 120 people who were addicted to marijuana. Participants were randomly assigned to receive either ABT-420 or a placebo. Those who received ABT-420 were significantly more likely to achieve abstinence from marijuana use at the end of the trial.
“This is a very exciting development,” said lead author Dr. Steven Laviolette. “We have been looking for a safe and effective way to treat marijuana addiction for many years, and ABT-420 shows great promise.”
The trial was funded by ABT Biopharm, the company that developed ABT-420. The company is currently conducting a Phase 3 trial of the drug, which is expected to be completed in 2024.
If ABT-420 is approved by the FDA, it would be the first drug specifically designed to treat marijuana addiction. The drug could potentially help millions of people who are struggling with this chronic condition.
In addition to the news story, here are some additional details about the trial:
- The trial was conducted over a period of 12 weeks.
- Participants who received ABT-420 were significantly more likely to achieve abstinence from marijuana use at the end of the trial, compared to those who received a placebo.
- The most common side effects of ABT-420 were nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
- ABT-420 is still in the early stages of development, and it is not yet available for commercial use.
However, the results of this trial are very promising, and they suggest that ABT-420 could be a valuable treatment option for people who are struggling with marijuana addiction.