Gaize Completes World's Largest Cannabis Impairment Clinical Trial
Test participant wearing the Gaize ocular cannabis impairment detection headset
Gaize, Inc. announced that it has completed the world's largest clinical trial investigating cannabis impairment. The 350-participant study used Gaize's portable, and non-invasive testing device to investigate changes in eye movement and pupillary reflex action. The use of cannabis has grown rapidly in recent years as it has become legalized in more and more jurisdictions, and as cultural acceptance grows. However, there has historically not been a device capable of detecting active impairment from cannabis. Further, the precise characteristics of eye movement and the changes that occur as a result of of impairment has been inadequately researched.
The trial was conducted in partnership with dicentra, a Contract Research Organization (CRO) in Toronto, Canada. It included both measurements of participants prior to and after having consumed legally available cannabis. "dicentra's role in this trial consisted of two parts," says Radivoje Janjic, Regulatory Affairs Specialist, at dicentra. "First, to facilitate safe data collection using the Gaize device before and following cannabis consumption, and second, to ensure our participants were safe while being impaired and using the device". The Gaize device is a specialized virtual reality (VR) headset with embedded eye tracking sensors. It performs a series of automated ocular motion and pupillary reflex tests while capturing high resolution eye movement data and video. This data can be evaluated using statistical and machine learning algorithms to determine active impairment from cannabis consumption.
The results of the study were described as "outstanding" by Gaize Chief Technology Officer, Rob Lass. "We have really put our product through its paces. Based on the data we gathered, we have been able to capture important insights into how cannabis impairment manifests in eye movement, and perform algorithmic optimization in preparation for the commercial launch," said Lass. Gaize is targeting a late 2022 release for the product.
Since THC from cannabis use can persist in the body for weeks following the last use, measuring THC concentrations in the body are not predictive of the impairment being experienced by the user. Tests like saliva, blood, and breath are only useful in determining prior consumption, as has been confirmed by numerous scientific studies. With no product currently available that can accurately detect cannabis impairment in real-time, Gaize is leading the way in providing a solution to an important safety issue.
"We want to congratulate Gaize on the successful completion of this clinical trial", says Peter Wojewnik, Partner at dicentra. "The Gaize device proposes a novel method for detecting active impairment from cannabis consumption. The impact this device could have on safety both on the road and in the workplace is for me, and everyone at dicentra, extremely exciting! We are very proud to have been a part of it and can't wait to see the positive disruption this device brings globally."
Gaize is currently accepting reservations from law enforcement and businesses with safety-sensitive workers. The test takes about 6 minutes to complete, and requires no special training to operate. All tests are also backed by video evidence, an important feature for law enforcement. By solving the problem of a lack of a device that can check for active cannabis impairment, Gaize is paving the way for safe roads and safe workplaces.
