Ananda Pharma has begun participant screening for a Phase 2 trial evaluating MRX1, a cannabidiol-based therapy for chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy.

Ananda Pharma has begun preparations for a Phase 2 clinical trial evaluating MRX1, an investigational cannabidiol-based therapy for chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN), following delivery of the clinical trial product to the University of Edinburgh.

The shipment of MRX1 to the university’s central pharmacy supports initiation of the ACTiON trial, a study designed to assess the safety and efficacy of the therapy in people experiencing nerve damage caused by chemotherapy. Participant screening is now underway ahead of first participant dosing.

CIPN is a common complication of cancer treatment that can cause symptoms including pain, numbness and tingling in the hands and feet. The condition can continue after cancer treatment has ended and, in some cases, can affect chemotherapy dosing decisions. There are currently limited treatment options available to effectively manage the condition.

The ACTiON study is a double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover Phase 2 trial led by Professor Marie Fallon at the University of Edinburgh and funded through a National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Efficacy and Mechanism Evaluation grant.

The trial aims to enrol 92 participants and will assess whether MRX1 can improve symptoms associated with CIPN, alongside evaluating its effects on quality of life and healthcare utilisation.

Melissa Sturgess, chief executive officer of Ananda Pharma, said: “We are delighted to be working on this clinical trial alongside Professor Marie Fallon at the University of Edinburgh. Professor Fallon is a global key opinion leader in CIPN and thus brings significant gravitas to the trial design and importance.”

MRX1 is being developed as a cannabidiol medicine targeting complex chronic conditions. The programme follows completion of a first-in-human study earlier in 2026 and represents Ananda’s first Phase 2 clinical trial.

Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy remains a significant challenge in cancer care. Damage to peripheral nerves can affect daily activities and quality of life, while severe symptoms may require clinicians to modify or discontinue chemotherapy treatment.

The ACTiON trial will investigate whether MRX1 can provide a potential treatment approach for patients living with CIPN. Researchers will assess both clinical outcomes and the mechanisms involved in response to treatment.

The study is being conducted in partnership with the University of Edinburgh, with Professor Marie Fallon leading the research programme. Further updates are expected when the first participant receives a dose of MRX1.