AEF-0117 – Controversial New Drug to Tackle Cannabis Addiction

Record-high rates of cannabis use in the US have led researchers to develop an experimental drug called AEF-0117, which promises to treat cannabis-related disorders. The drug, administered in different doses during the study, reduced the perceived “positive effects” of cannabis by up to 38%. Larger studies are needed to confirm these findings, but the preliminary results are encouraging.

Record-high rates of cannabis use among young adults in the United States have prompted scientists to pay attention to the growing demand for effective methods to combat addiction, leading to the development of an experimental drug named AEF-0117.

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Experimental Drug for Cannabis Addiction

According to the findings of a recent study published in Nature Medicine, promising results in treating cannabis-related disorders have been shown by an experimental pill, which is the first of its kind. The medication, designated as AEF-0117, reduced perceived “positive effects” of cannabis consumption by up to 38 percent. The phase 2a study, with a double-blind, controlled trial, was conducted by researchers from Columbia University. In this phase of the study, the optimal drug dosage for subsequent testing stages is typically determined.

First AEF-0117 Results

The author of the AEF-0117 study, Meg Haney, director of the cannabis research laboratory at Columbia University, describes the preliminary results of the drug study as “very encouraging.” So far, no medications have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treating cannabis-related disorders. It is estimated that this issue affects up to 30 percent of cannabis users, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Cannabis-related disorders can be diagnosed when a person cannot stop using cannabis, despite significant disruptions in daily life, such as problems in relationships or work. In 2021, approximately 14 million Americans struggled with this issue, according to a report by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. This is what AEF-0117 aims to tackle.

AEF-0117 Experiment With Individuals Struggling With Addiction

AEF-0117 was administered to 29 adult men and women diagnosed with cannabis-related disorders. On average, they smoked approximately 3 grams of cannabis daily, six days a week. A low dose of the drug – 0.06 milligrams (mg) – and a higher dose of 1 milligram were used.

Participants were first given either AEF-0117 or a placebo during the experiment for five days. They took it daily at 9 a.m., and a controlled amount of cannabis was smoked 3.5 hours later. They then answered questions such as “I feel high” or “I feel a good effect” five times, from 20 minutes after smoking to two hours later. The lower dose reduced the subjective “positive effects” of cannabis by 19 percent, while the higher dose reduced them by up to 38 percent.

Only the higher AEF-0117 dose significantly reduced the amount of cannabis that participants ultimately used later in the day. No significant side effects were observed, and the drug did not cause withdrawal symptoms. Conclusions from this small sample size need to be confirmed in larger studies, which are already underway,” says Haney. Around 300 patients are participating in the phase 2b study. Results are expected no later than next year.

The Effects of Cannabis on the Brain

Developed by the French biotechnology company Aelis Farma, AEF-0117 is unique due to its specific way of acting on the brain. Cannabis primarily exerts its effects on the brain through the psychoactive compound tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which binds to a receptor in the brain called CB1.

“This particular compound can selectively block certain actions of the receptor,” says Dr. Scott Hadland, an addiction specialist at Mass General Hospital for Children in Boston. “By doing so, we can block the euphoric effects of cannabis without causing adverse side effects.”

Candidates for AEF-0117 Therapy – Who Will Benefit Most From the Drug?

Ultimately, Hadland, who was not involved in the AEF-0117 study, argues that this drug will be most effective for patients who are motivated to quit their addiction. “We have to remember that this is a drug that, by blocking the rewarding effects of cannabis, they have to want to take it,” he says. “We need motivated patients who want to stop using cannabis to take this drug for it to be effective.”

Potential Harms of High-Potency Cannabis

Hadland says that although many people use cannabis without problems, he is concerned about a lack of awareness among society about potential harm.

Symptoms of cannabis-related disorders in young people

Symptoms of cannabis-related disorders in young individuals may include:

• Difficulties in school, such as declining grades.
• Changes in relationships.
• Abandoning activities they once enjoyed, such as being part of a sports team or school club.

Next Steps in AEF-0117 Research

Bigger studies will be needed to confirm these new findings and to learn about any potential side effects of AEF-0117, says Hadland.

David Kroll, a toxicologist and co-director of educational programs in cannabis science and medicine at the University of Colorado Skaggs School of Pharmacy, also calls AEF-0117 promising but notes that it seems to be tested on low-potency cannabis products with around 7% THC.

“I’m curious how it will fare with higher-potency products,” he says. “We will be looking at that as the studies move into phase 3.”

Is a Drug for Cannabis Addiction Even a Good Idea?

There is no doubt that any addiction, including cannabis addiction, is a serious challenge that can significantly impact an individual’s life. However, regardless of the complexity of the problem, it is worth remembering that medications, while often helpful, are not always the only or even the best solution.

Medications for Addiction – Not Always the Best Solution?

The first reason why a drug for cannabis addiction may not be an ideal idea is related to the nature of addiction itself. Addiction is a complex phenomenon that typically involves both physical and psychological aspects. Many people use cannabis as a form of self-medication, attempting to alleviate stress, anxiety, or depression. A drug that merely suppresses the “positive effects” of cannabis may not necessarily help the person cope with these deeper issues.

Willpower and Determination – Keys to Success

Secondly, as emphasized by Dr. Scott Hadland, an addiction specialist, “a drug for cannabis addiction will work best in patients who are motivated to quit smoking.” In other words, willingness, strong willpower, determination, and consistency are crucial. Without these key ingredients, no pharmacological therapy like AEF-0117 will bring long-lasting effects.

Help on Multiple Levels – Beyond AEF-0117

Finally, it is worth noting that a pharmacological approach like AEF-0117 is not always the best path to health and balance. Psychotherapy, group support, lifestyle changes, and stress management techniques often yield similar, and sometimes even better, results. Above all, every person struggling with symptoms of cannabis addiction is different and requires an individualized approach.

In conclusion, while advancements in pharmacological treatment for cannabis addiction like AEF-0117 are intriguing, it is important to remember that strong willpower, determination, and consistency are often the most critical components of overcoming addiction. The first and most crucial step in combating addiction is the decision to change one’s life.

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(Featured illustration by Mikhail Nilov via Pexels)

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