Why a COVID-19 trial is exciting BOD (ASX:BOD) investors today?

A clinical trial into the use of medicinal cannabis for long-term COVID-19 is going ahead.

| More on:

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More

Key points

  • The BOD Australia share price is up nearly 7%
  • The company's announced a new trial on treatment for long term COVID-19
  • It involves a medicinal cannabis product

The BOD Australia Ltd (ASX: BOD) share price is surging today amid news of a new COVID-19 clinical trial.

The company's shares are currently swapping hands at 23.5 cents, up 6.82%.

Let's take a look at what the company announced today?

Medicinal cannabis to treat COVID-19?

BOD investors are reacting to news of a clinical trial into the use of medicinal cannabis to treat long term COVID-19.

The company will work with Drug Science UK on the six-month trial featuring BOD's flagship product MediCabilis.

Symptoms of long term COVID-19 include chronic pain, anxiety, fatigue, and sleeping trouble. The trial will recruit 30 people suffering from the condition.

BOD is hopeful it will be able to commercialise its product in the UK and "other countries" if the trial is successful.

About 1.3 million people are estimated to have long-COVID-19 in the UK with 1 in 40 of these having symptoms lasting three months or more.

BOD said its MediCabilis product is already prescribed to treat people with long-COVID-19 symptoms including anxiety, sleep disorders, and chronic pain.

Management comment

Speaking on the news of the trial, CEO Jo Patterson said:

While there aren't any existing treatments for long-COVID, our medicinal cannabis products have been used to treat and alleviate a number of similar conditions.

We anticipate that this clinical trial will provide us with great insight into its potential to treat long-COVID and build on the body of evidence for the use of cannabis-based medicines, in place of other pharmaceuticals.

Share price snapshot

The BOD share price has crashed by 50% in the past year. Despite this, it is up 4% in the last month and nearly 7% in the past week.

In comparison, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) has returned more than 10% to investors in the past year.

The company commands a market capitalisation of about 24.9 million based on the current share price.

The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

More on Healthcare Shares

three excited doctors with hands in the air
Healthcare Shares

Why Macquarie forecasts a 22% upside for this ASX All Ords healthcare stock

Macquarie expects a big rebound ahead for this ASX healthcare stock. But why?

Read more »

A young man wearing a black and white striped t-shirt looks surprised.
Healthcare Shares

Guess which ASX All Ords stock is jumping 9% on $1.6b market opportunity

This small cap is having a big day. But why?

Read more »

A group of three scientists talking excitedly while working in a lab on a diabetes test developed by Proteomics International Laboratories which is an ASX share tipped to explode by Alto Capital
Healthcare Shares

75% upside: Broker tips two ASX healthcare shares

This broker sees big potential in these two Australian healthcare companies 

Read more »

Cropped shot of an attractive young female scientist working on her computer in the laboratory.
Healthcare Shares

What does the Macquarie Hospital Claims Index mean for ASX 200 health insurance stocks?

Macquarie shares its view on Medibank Private and NIB Holdings.

Read more »

Two lab workers fist pump each other.
Broker Notes

What's JP Morgan's price target on CSL shares?

Are CSL shares undervalued or will they continue to underperform?

Read more »

Portrait, confidence and team of doctors in the hospital standing after a consultation or surgery. Success, healthcare and group of professional medical workers in collaboration at a medicare clinic.
Healthcare Shares

2 ASX healthcare stocks making huge moves on big news

These shares are getting investors excited today. But why?

Read more »

Man drawing an upward line on a bar graph symbolising a rising share price.
Healthcare Shares

Which ASX All Ords stock is up 15% on guidance upgrade?

Let's find out what is getting investors excited on Tuesday.

Read more »

A senior pharmacist talks to a customer at the counter in a shop.
Healthcare Shares

3 reasons why the Sigma Healthcare share price could be a buy

This business has a very exciting outlook.

Read more »