Statement: NICM Health Research’s participation in global trial on Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy
Western Sydney University’s NICM Health Research Institute is taking part in an international clinical trial on the use of medicinal cannabis for diabetic peripheral neuropathy.
This global study has the potential to help millions of people living in Australia and overseas with common nerve pain associated with diabetes. Western Sydney University is satisfied that the study has met all applicable ethical, regulatory, and legal requirements.
The role of NICM is strictly limited to recruiting participants in Australia as part the international study. It does so through a fee-for-service arrangement with Syneos, an Australian Contract Research Organisation (CRO) company.
Syqe Medical, an Israeli-based company, is the trial’s international sponsor. NICM has no involvement in the development or oversight of the broader international study.
Forbes.com recently reported in that Syqe had received funding from Philip Morris International (PMI). According to the article, in 2016, PMI invested in Syqe via its subsidiary, Vectura Fertin Pharma (VFP). To the best of our knowledge, VFP remains a minor shareholder of Syqe. Syqe has confirmed that VFP has provided funding to this clinical trial.
We will continue our involvement in the study because the research has the potential to drive meaningful public health advancements in the treatment of diabetic peripheral neuropathic pain. At the moment, therapeutic options are limited for this common complication of diabetes.
Almost 50 per cent of people of the 1.5 million Australians living with diabetes are estimated to experience this at some point and about one-third have painful symptoms. This usually starts in the feet and legs, causing numbness, tingling, a burning sensation and sharp pains. It affects quality of life and can increase the risk of amputations by up to 16 times.
Western Sydney University and NICM are fully committed to maintaining the highest standards of research integrity while striving to deliver meaningful advancements in healthcare. We continue to closely consider all projects through the University’s ethical framework.
ENDS
18 March 2025
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