World first trial on the coast a final hope for some

A Gold Coast man has become the first to take part in a worldwide clinical trial into the effects of medicinal cannabis on those living with a debilitating disease with no known cure.

EVEN into his seventies maintenance contractor Michael White is an active man, with a quick wit and smile.

It was only when he developed a slight stumbling walk that Kate White, his wife of fifty years was alerted to an insidious problem.

After seeking the help of specialists Mr White was diagnosed with Motor-Neuron Disease (MND) a rare condition which triggers the nerve cells, slowly weakening the muscles and can eventually lead to paralysis.

A diagnosis that was devastating for the grandfather of 11.

COAST FATHER OF FOUR DIAGNOSED WITH MND

Gold Coast local Michael White is one of the 30 patients in the trial. Michael White with Gold Coast Health neurologists Associate Professor Arman Sabet. Picture: Jerad Williams

“It has changed our whole life, he thought his life was over,” Mrs White told the Bulletin.

The disease has no cure, however a single ray of light was offered by the Gold Coast University Hospital clinical trial team.

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Mr White became the first to participate in a world first clinical trial on the effects of medicinal cannabis on those living with MND or Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS).

Over the next six months Mr White will be given either medicinal cannabis oil or a placebo as part of the two year trial which aims to monitor the progression of the disease, pain and quality of life.

MAJOR BREAKTHROUGH IN MND DRUG TRIAL

Gold Coast local Michael White is one of the 30 patients in the trial with his wife Kate White. Picture: Jerad Williams

“It is emotional and doesn't get any better,” Mr White said.

“I put my hand up as soon as heard about it, if it can help me or help someone else it is worth it.”

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“When you’ve got MND there’s a lot of people to help you but they can’t cure you.”

Neurologist associate professor Arman Sabet said the study has the potential to discover new approaches that may extend patients lives by managing debilitating symptoms.

“While most clinical trails in MND focus on finding a cure, this study directed towards symptom management are very limited.” he said.

The study which was launched with the help of the Gold Coast Hospital Foundation is also receives the cannabis oil free of charge from producer CannTrust Inc.

Researchers from Duke University, USA and the international Cannabis and Cannabinoid Institute in Prague are also part of the study team.