Cannabis-Based Therapy Shows Promise in Improving Sleep Quality and Pain Management
Bensheim, Germany – March 14, 2025 – Ahead of World Sleep Day, Avextra presented the results of its IMPACT study at the German Pain and Palliative Care Days, hosted by the German Pain Association.
The significant impact of inadequate sleep on individuals, healthcare systems, and the economy is well-documented. Recent data reveals a connection between chronic sleep disorders like insomnia and sleep apnea and a higher likelihood of depression, heart disease, and dementia. In Europe, chronic insomnia affects one in ten adults, resulting in a considerable economic strain. Germany alone faces roughly 25 billion Euros annually in costs due to decreased productivity.
Given the endocannabinoid system’s role in regulating sleep, Avextra studied the effects of its Cannabis Extract 10:10 on chronic pain patients with sleep issues. The non-interventional, open-label, prospective, single-center IMPACT study demonstrated significant improvements in sleep quality and pain reduction over 12 weeks using low doses.
Key Findings from the IMPACT Study
- Improved Sleep Quality: 65% of patients (ITT, N=94) showed statistically significant (p<0.0001) and clinically relevant improvement in sleep quality, according to the Regensburg Insomnia Scale (RIS).
- Pain Reduction: A statistically significant decrease in pain intensity was observed, with 44% of patients experiencing a clinically meaningful reduction in pain scores.
- Reduction in Co-Medication: Overall, co-medication use dropped by 30%, with sleep medication use decreasing by almost 70% and opioid use by nearly 30%.
- Patient Subgroups: Fibromyalgia patients experienced greater sleep improvements, while neuropathic pain patients reported better pain relief.
- Well-Tolerated Therapy: Cannabisextract Avextra 10:10 (THC/CBD) was well tolerated, with no adverse events (AEs) occurring in more than 5% of patients. Most AEs were mild to moderate, and no serious or life-threatening AEs were reported.
A Step Forward in Sleep and Pain Management
“These results highlight the potential of low-dose cannabinoid-based treatments to address the complex relationship between chronic pain and sleep disorders,” stated Bernhard Babel, CEO of Avextra. “This research indicates not only the effectiveness of combined THC and CBD in improving sleep quality and pain management but also the tolerability of cannabis-based medicines for patients with chronic pain.”
Dr. Richard Ibrahim, the IMPACT study’s Principal Investigator, presented these findings at the German Pain and Palliative Care Days earlier this week. He noted, “The IMPACT study marks a significant advancement in understanding how low-dose cannabinoid therapies can target both pain and sleep disturbances. The results suggest that a balanced THC/CBD formulation can offer substantial relief while reducing reliance on traditional medications. This is a promising development for the future of pain management through better sleep.”
Avextra is dedicated to supporting further research to evaluate the long-term effects of cannabinoid-based therapies on patient quality of life and to investigate their role in decreasing dependence on conventional pain management drugs.
About Avextra AG
Avextra is a leading European vertically integrated medical cannabis company specializing in the development and production of regulator-approved medicines. Established in Germany in 2019, the company collaborates closely with doctors, pharmacists, and researchers to create innovative cannabis-based medicines. Avextra manages the entire value chain, from cultivation in Portugal to EU-GMP certified extraction and manufacturing in Germany. Avextra medicines are distributed within federally regulated cannabis access programs throughout Europe.
Learn more at avextra.com and stay up to date on LinkedIn: LinkedIn.com/company/avextra-ag/
Avextra Media Enquiries:
For media inquiries or interview requests, please contact:
Email: press@avextra.com
Phone: +49 30 408174037
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