24-Patient Trial to Test 10mg THC Capsules on Sleep Apnoea Severity

ECS Botanics Partners with UWA on Sleep Apnoea Research

In a move that underscores the growing intersection between medicinal cannabis and mainstream healthcare, ECS Botanics Holdings Ltd (ASX – ECS) has announced its support for a clinical trial led by the University of Western Australia’s Centre for Sleep Science. The trial will investigate the therapeutic potential of ECS’s Avani THC10 softgel capsules in treating obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA), a common and often debilitating sleep disorder.

The study, registered on the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry, is designed as a randomised, double-blind, controlled trial enrolling 24 participants. It aims to assess how a 10mg dose of THC influences not only the severity of OSA but also the underlying physiological mechanisms and next-day cognitive performance. Recruitment is set to begin in July 2025, with the trial expected to run through the remainder of the year.

Scientific Rigor Meets Medicinal Cannabis Innovation

ECS Botanics’ Avani THC10 capsules are manufactured to Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standards, reflecting the company’s commitment to quality and regulatory compliance. Nan-Maree Schoerie, Managing Director of ECS Botanics, emphasized the importance of such clinical trials in building a robust evidence base for medicinal cannabis. “Trials like this one are vital to building the evidence base that informs prescribing decisions,” she said, highlighting ECS’s dedication to transparency, sustainability, and scientific validation.

This collaboration is particularly significant given the complex nature of OSA, which affects millions worldwide and is linked to serious health risks such as cardiovascular disease and daytime cognitive impairment. Current treatments, including CPAP machines, often suffer from poor patient compliance, creating a demand for alternative therapies.

Implications for ECS and the Medicinal Cannabis Sector

By supporting rigorous academic research, ECS Botanics positions itself at the forefront of medicinal cannabis innovation in Australia. The trial’s outcomes could potentially validate ECS’s products as viable therapeutic options, influencing prescribing practices and regulatory attitudes. Moreover, positive results might open doors for broader applications of THC-based treatments in sleep medicine.

While the trial’s small size and early stage mean commercial impacts remain uncertain, ECS’s proactive engagement with researchers and regulators signals a strategic approach to long-term growth. The company’s emphasis on sustainability and organic cultivation further aligns with evolving patient and investor expectations.