More than 100 dogs are being enrolled in what’s being called the first regulated clinical trial of its kind, testing a combination of THC and CBD for treating osteoarthritis in canines.
The trial is being conducted by Hale Animal Health, a veterinary pharmaceutical company based in New Zealand. The study is taking place across multiple regions including Waikato, Bay of Plenty and Christchurch.
According to Hale CEO Leila de Koster, the treatment is a liquid formulation containing both tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). It’s designed to manage pain associated with osteoarthritis without the adverse side effects often caused by standard anti-inflammatory medications.
Dogs accepted into the six-week study will receive free veterinary care, including full physical exams, X-rays and blood screening. Owners will be given pre-measured doses based on the animal’s weight to mix with their dog’s food.
De Koster says that while current treatments for arthritis in dogs can be effective, they’re commonly associated with digestive issues and damage to the liver or kidneys. The company hopes its new cannabinoid-based alternative will offer similar pain relief without those complications.
Only dogs diagnosed with or suspected of having osteoarthritis are eligible. Hale plans to use data from the trial to support a regulatory application to New Zealand’s Agricultural Compounds and Veterinary Medicines (ACVM). Approval would allow the product to be registered as a veterinary medicine in New Zealand and Australia, with future plans for FDA submission in the United States.
In 2024, Hale completed a $2.5 million funding round and plans to open another round later this year. Interested dog owners can contact the company at enquiries@haleanimal.co.nz.
