Ananda Developments (AQSE: ANA), a provider of cannabinoid-based medicines for complex, chronic inflammatory pain conditions, announced on Wednesday that through its subsidiary MRX Medical, a Drug Supply Agreement has been signed with the University of Edinburgh and NHS Lothian for MRX1 cannabidiol (CBD) oil supply.

The CBD will be used in the ENDOCAN-1 trial, assessing its efficacy versus placebo in managing endometriosis-associated pain.

MRX's patent-pending CBD oil formulation will serve as the Investigative Medicinal Product (IMP) and the agreement grants MRX a license over arising Intellectual Property for research and development purposes.

The Randomised Controlled Trial (RCT), funded by a GBP300,000 grant, aims to evaluate CBD's effectiveness in treating endometriosis-associated pain. With a 100-patient recruitment plan, the pilot trial, led by Dr Lucy Whitaker, could pave the way for a nationwide study. Endometriosis affects 10% of women globally, and the market, valued at USD1.05bn in 2020, is projected to achieve a CAGR of 9.6% from 2020-2030.