Many claim that investing in clinical studies is unnecessary because cannabis often lacks protectable intellectual property (IP), studies are very expensive, and success remains uncertain. But now, a German company is proving the opposite! Germany, the land of inventors and thinkers, is once again at the forefront of innovation. Particularly in southern Germany, where hidden champions are often based in small villages, global market leaders emerge. Futrue CEO Clemens Fischer made a fortune with irritable bowel syndrome treatments. Now, he aims to revolutionize the painkiller market with a cannabis-based drug. In an interview with Business Insider, Fischer explains why he believes Vertanical is superior to opioids – and how he plans to make the new medication a market success despite high costs.
The Long Road to Approval: Why Research is Crucial
The development of new pharmaceuticals requires years of research, clinical trials, and significant financial resources. Pharma entrepreneur Clemens Fischer and his company Vertanical have spent over eight years intensively researching a new cannabis-based pain medication. The result: VER-01 not only effectively alleviates chronic pain but also improves pain-related sleep disorders and functional impairments – all without severe side effects or addiction potential.
Prof. Dr. Matthias Karst from Hannover Medical School emphasizes: “The study results demonstrate significant pain reduction. Additionally, there is an improvement in sleep quality and enhanced physical function.” These findings are based on a Phase 3 study with 820 patients who experienced a significant improvement in their quality of life. Fingers crossed!
Cannabis as a Game-Changer in Pain Medicine
The importance of investing in studies becomes particularly clear when looking at the current state of pain treatment. Opioids are still frequently used, even though they only provide long-term relief for 30% of patients. Furthermore, the risks of addiction, tolerance development, and severe side effects are well known. The U.S. serves as a tragic example of the catastrophic consequences of the opioid crisis, which has already claimed hundreds of thousands of lives.
A safer alternative like VER-01, based on cannabinoids, could fundamentally change this issue. The upcoming approval in Germany and Austria, expected in July 2025, could mark an international breakthrough. Clemens Fischer emphasizes: “Pain patients worldwide are trapped in a vicious cycle of pain, sleeplessness, and depression. VER-01 has the potential to break this cycle.”
Why Investing in Clinical Studies Makes the Difference
Without long-term and strategic investments in research, such a breakthrough would not have been possible. Clinical studies are not only costly but also require interdisciplinary collaboration among physicians, pharmacologists, and biotechnologists. Companies like Vertanical demonstrate that targeted investments in medical research have the potential not only to revolutionize the healthcare market but also to be economically successful.
For investors and companies in the cannabis industry, this sends a clear message: Those who invest sustainably in scientific studies can not only tap into new market segments but also improve the lives of millions of patients worldwide. The upcoming approval of VER-01 is a prime example that research pays off – and that the medical cannabis market is just beginning to unlock its full potential.
