Helius supports independent University of Auckland trial into medicinal cannabis and sleep
Updated: 4 hours ago
Can medicinal cannabis help people with chronic back pain sleep better? A new study aims to find out
Helius Therapeutics will supply the study medicine and placebo for an independent University of Auckland trial investigating sleep in people with chronic back pain. Researchers at Tauranga Hospital, the University of Otago, and the University of Auckland have begun recruiting patients for the CPS Trial (Cannabis, Pain, Sleep).
The trial tests whether a cannabis-based medicine improves sleep in adults living with chronic back pain. For a category where prescribers have long asked for more robust local data, it is a significant piece of New Zealand research.
About the trial
Led by Dr Saad Anis, a Specialist Pain Medicine Physician and Anaesthetist at Tauranga Hospital and a doctoral researcher at the University of Auckland School of Medicine. It is registered on the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry as a Phase 2 trial, and is randomised, double-blind and placebo-controlled.
Each of the participants in the trial will take the medicine at bedtime for three months and a placebo for three, in random order. Neither they nor the researchers will know which they have taken until the end of the study. Their sleep patterns will be closely monitored throughout, including with a monitor worn on the wrist.
As far as the research team is aware, no previous medicinal cannabis trial has tested a formulation specifically for sleep in people with chronic pain over this length of time.
Why this research matters
More than one in four New Zealand adults report living with chronic pain1, and international research suggests around three-quarters of people with chronic pain also experience disrupted sleep2.
"People living with pain tell us that poor sleep is one of the things that affects their quality of life the most," says Dr Anis.
“Many want to try cannabis-derived medicines, but I find them difficult to recommend given the current state of the evidence. Our experienced team designed this study to provide high-quality evidence of whether there is a benefit over the long-term, and help doctors make informed decisions with their patients."
“We are grateful for the technical and material support of Helius Therapeutics, and excited to advance medical research here in Aotearoa.”
Medicinal cannabis has been available on prescription in New Zealand since the Medicinal Cannabis Scheme began in 2020, but prescribing remains concentrated in specialist clinics. In Massey University's 2025 NZ Drug Trends Survey, 83% of medicinal cannabis users with a prescription had obtained it through a cannabis clinic, and 21% through a GP3. The Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners has called for more research.
Independent by design
The trial is funded by the University of Auckland and the Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists, and is endorsed by the Rangahau Research Review Panel at Te Whatu Ora Hauora a Toi Bay of Plenty.
Helius Therapeutics is not involved in the trial's conduct, analysis or reporting. The results will be published in a peer-reviewed medical journal, with publication expected in early 2028.
Why Helius is supporting the CPS Trial
"New Zealand's medicinal cannabis sector is growing, but clinical trial data is still needed to build confidence in cannabis medicines in general practice," says Zoë Reece, chief executive of Helius Therapeutics. "We see independent studies like the CPS Trial as essential building blocks in the sector's long-term development."
"New Zealand has built a reputation as a centre of excellence for clinical research, and we expect this study to carry weight with pain specialists both here and abroad."
This article is general company news and does not describe, recommend or promote any particular product. If you think medicinal cannabis may be relevant to your health, please read our advice on talking to your doctor.
Frequently asked questions
What is the CPS Trial?
The CPS Trial (Cannabis, Pain, Sleep) is a University of Auckland clinical trial testing whether a cannabis-based medicine improves sleep in adults living with chronic back pain. It is registered on the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry as a Phase 2, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial (ACTRN12623000870651).
Who is running the trial?
The trial is led by Dr Saad Anis of the University of Auckland's Department of Anaesthesiology and is based at Tauranga Hospital in the Bay of Plenty.
What is Helius Therapeutics' role?
Helius supplies the study medicine and a matching placebo. Helius is not involved in the design, conduct, analysis or reporting of the trial.
Which medicine is being tested?
The trial uses a cannabis-based medicine manufactured by Helius in New Zealand. Under New Zealand's rules on advertising medicines, we are unable to discuss specific products publicly.
Who is funding the trial?
The trial is funded by the University of Auckland and a Novice Investigator Grant from the Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists. It has Health and Disability Ethics Committees approval and is endorsed by the Rangahau Research Review Panel at Te Whatu Ora Hauora a Toi Bay of Plenty.
How does the trial work?
Each participant takes the study medicine at bedtime for three months and a placebo for three months, in random order. Neither participants nor researchers know which is which until the study ends. A wrist-worn monitor records sleep throughout the seven-month study period.
How can I take part?
Recruitment is managed by the University of Auckland research team. Details, including eligibility, are on the University of Auckland's CPS Trial page, or you can email the team at cpstrial@auckland.ac.nz. Helius cannot advise on eligibility or enrol participants.
When will the results be available?
The results will be published in a peer-reviewed medical journal. Publication is expected in early 2028.
Is medicinal cannabis right for me?
Only your doctor can help you decide if medicinal cannabis is suitable for you. If you think medicinal cannabis may be relevant to your health, talk to your doctor. The Ministry of Health publishes a list of medicinal cannabis products that meet New Zealand's minimum quality standard.
Annual Update of Key Results 2024/25: New Zealand Health Survey. Ministry of Health, 2025
Prevalence of Sleep Disturbances in Patients with Chronic Non-cancer Pain: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Sun Y et al. Sleep Medicine Reviews, May 2021
New Zealand Drug Trends Survey 2025. Massey University, April 2026