Arthritis affects the joints and surrounding tissues, with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis being the most common forms. The condition is characterised by joint pain, stiffness, swelling, reduced range of motion, fatigue, and impaired physical function, which can progressively limit a person’s ability to perform everyday activities. Arthritis is a leading cause of chronic pain and disability worldwide and is associated with substantial impacts on quality of life, mental health, workforce participation, and healthcare utilisation.
As populations age and rates of obesity increase, the prevalence and burden of arthritis are expected to continue rising, highlighting the need for innovative therapies such as cannabinoids to improve symptom management, physical function, and long-term patient outcomes.¹⁻³
Rheumatoid Arthritis Clinical Research
OMG Pharma is supporting a world-first clinical study investigating the potential role of topical cannabidiol (CBD) in the management of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), a chronic autoimmune disease characterised by joint pain, swelling, stiffness and progressive loss of function. The study is being conducted in partnership with the NICM Health Research Institute at Western Sydney University and researchers from the University of Sydney, reflecting OMG Pharma’s commitment to generating high-quality clinical evidence for cannabinoid-based medicines.
The trial is evaluating a CBD topical roll-on salve applied directly to affected joints over a four-week period in adults with rheumatoid arthritis whose symptoms remain inadequately controlled despite standard treatment. Researchers are assessing changes in joint pain, swelling, physical function and inflammatory markers, while also evaluating the safety and tolerability of topical CBD therapy.
While early preclinical and observational studies suggest cannabinoids may have anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, robust clinical evidence in rheumatoid arthritis remains limited. This study aims to address that evidence gap by investigating whether a non-intoxicating, locally applied CBD formulation can provide meaningful symptom relief while minimising systemic exposure and adverse effects. Topical CBD does not contain psychoactive cannabinoids that produce a “high” and may offer a targeted approach for patients seeking additional options to manage persistent arthritis symptoms.
As part of OMG Pharma’s broader cannabinoid research program, this trial represents an important step towards advancing evidence-based cannabinoid therapies for inflammatory and chronic pain conditions. The findings will help inform future research and contribute to a growing body of scientific knowledge on the role of cannabinoids in arthritis care.
Hunter DJ, Bierma-Zeinstra S. Osteoarthritis. Lancet. 2019;393(10182):1745–1759.
Safiri S, Kolahi AA, Smith E, et al. Global, regional and national burden of osteoarthritis 1990–2019. Ann Rheum Dis. 2020;79:819–828.
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