Study to Evaluate the Effect of GWP42003 on Liver Fat Levels in Participants With Fatty Liver Disease

A Randomised, Partially-blind, Placebo-controlled, Pilot, Dose-ranging Study To Assess The Effect Of Cannabidiol (CBD) On Liver Fat Levels In Subjects With Fatty Liver Disease.

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of GWP42003 on liver triglyceride (liver fat) in participants with fatty liver disease (FLD).

This study was conducted as a 10-week (eight-week treatment period and one-week safety follow-up), randomized, partially-blind study that evaluated the effect of GWP42003 in participants with raised liver triglycerides (liver fat ≥5%). Participants were clinically diagnosed with FLD and had liver fat levels ≥5% as measured by Magnetic Resonance Imaging/ Magnetic Resonance Scanning (MRI/MRS), or were willing to undergo MRI/MRS scan at the screening visit to confirm a liver fat content of ≥5%. Eligible participants entered the study at a screening visit (Day -10 to -2) and then returned for a fasted baseline visit (Day 1), a mid-treatment visit (Day 29) and an end of treatment visit (Day 57). Safety follow-up telephone calls took place throughout the treatment period up to Day 64 after completion of treatment or seven days after date of last dose/withdrawal.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Participant gave informed consent for participation in the study.
• Participant was aged 18 years or above.
• Participant had documented evidence of liver fat content ≥5% as measured by MRI/MRS scanning or a biopsy within two months prior to screening, or willing to undergo an MRI/MRS scan at Visit 1 (Day -10 to -2) to confirm a liver fat content of ≥5%.
• Participant had, in the opinion of the investigator, no changes in levels of exercise or diet for four weeks (as assessed by the physical activity questionnaire and food frequency questionnaire) prior to the start of treatment, and participant agreed to keep stable for the duration of the study.
• Participant was able (in the investigator's opinion) and willing to comply with all study requirements.
• Participant was willing for his or her name to be notified to the responsible authorities for participation in this study, as applicable.
• Participant was willing to allow his or her primary care practitioner and consultant, if appropriate, to be notified of participation in the study.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Participant had clinical diagnosis or treatment for Type I/II diabetes.
• Participant had received an unapproved investigational medicinal product (IMP) within the 30 days prior to the screening visit.
• Participant was receiving a prohibited medication and unwilling to stop for 14 days prior to the screening visit and for the duration of the study.
• Participant was using or had used recreational cannabis, medicinal cannabis, or cannabinoid medications (including Sativex) within one month prior to study entry and unwilling to abstain for the duration of the study.
• Participant had any known or suspected history of alcohol or substance abuse, or epilepsy or recurrent seizures.
• Participant had any known or suspected history of major depression sufficient to require treatment or disrupt ordinary life (excluding episodes of reactive depression, in the opinion of the investigator).
• Participant had clinically significant cardiac, renal, or hepatic impairment, in the opinion of the investigator.
• Participant had known history of Hepatitis B or C.
• Participant had genetic dyslipidaemia, in the opinion of the Investigator.
• Participant had any other significant disease or disorder which, in the opinion of the investigator, may either put the participant at risk because of participation in the study, influence the result of the study, or affect the participant's ability to participate in the study.
• Participant had any known or suspected hypersensitivity to cannabinoids or any of the excipients of the IMP(s).
• Participant had presence of any metal implants.
• Participant had any known or suspected history of claustrophobia.
• Female participants of child bearing potential not able or willing to use effective contraception for the duration of the study and for three months thereafter, or male participants whose partner was of child bearing potential, who was not willing to ensure that they or their partner would use effective contraception during the study and for three months thereafter.
• Female participant who was pregnant, lactating or planning pregnancy during the course of the study and for three months thereafter.
• Participants who weighed >150 kilograms (kg).
• Participant had any abnormalities following a physical examination that, in the opinion of the investigator, prevented the participant from safe participation in the study.
• Participant was unwilling to abstain from donation of blood during the study.
• Participant had planned travel outside the country of residence during the study.
• Participant had previously enrolled into this study.