Cannabidiol for Pediatric Epilepsy (Compassionate Use)
United States
Plain-language summary
This is an open-label observational study of pure CBD for the treatment for 25 children with intractable epilepsy. As pure CBD is not FDA approved, the investigators are conducting this study via the FDA expanded access mechanism on a compassionate use basis. The target patient population is children with severe refractory epilepsy who have exhausted all other reasonable avenues of treatment. These are patients for whom the risks of a relatively untested product are outweighed by the potential benefit. Using seizure-diaries maintained on a routine clinical basis, seizure frequency will be assessed four weeks prior to initiation of CBD, one month after CBD initiation, and at least every 3 months thereafter. CBD will be administered as an adjunct to all current anti-epileptic therapies.
Who can participate
Age range
1 Year – 17 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion criteria
. Age criteria between the ages of 1 and 17 years.
. Documentation of a diagnosis of drug resistant epilepsy as evidenced by failure to control seizures despite appropriate trial of two or more AEDs at therapeutic doses. Documentation must include the diagnosis of epilepsy type or epilepsy syndrome, as well as the underlying cause, when known.
. Between 1-3 baseline anti-epileptic drugs at stable doses for a minimum of 4 weeks prior to enrollment. Vagus nerve stimulator (VNS), ketogenic diet and modified Atkins diet do not count toward this limit.
. VNS must be on stable settings for a minimum of 3 months.
. If on ketogenic diet, must be on stable ratio for a minimum of 3 months
. Written informed consent obtained from the patient or the patient's legal representative must be obtained prior to beginning treatment.
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
. Use of any "community acquired" cannabidiol product over the last 3 months.
. Use of any investigational treatments over the last 3 months.
. Patients with a history of non-compliance to medical regimens or who are considered potentially unreliable or will not be able to complete entire study.