Last reviewed · How we verify

Nabilone Oral Capsule

Centre for Addiction and Mental Health · FDA-approved active Small molecule

Nabilone is a synthetic cannabinoid that mimics THC by binding to cannabinoid receptors in the central nervous system to produce antiemetic and analgesic effects.

Nabilone is a synthetic cannabinoid that mimics THC by binding to cannabinoid receptors in the central nervous system to produce antiemetic and analgesic effects. Used for Chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV), Chronic pain, Multiple sclerosis-related spasticity.

At a glance

Generic nameNabilone Oral Capsule
Also known asTEVA-nabilone, TEVA-Nabilone Placebo
SponsorCentre for Addiction and Mental Health
Drug classSynthetic cannabinoid
TargetCB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptors
ModalitySmall molecule
Therapeutic areaOncology; Pain Management; Psychiatry
PhaseFDA-approved

Mechanism of action

Nabilone acts as a partial agonist at CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptors, which are involved in regulating nausea, vomiting, and pain perception. By activating these receptors, it suppresses the vomiting center and modulates pain signaling pathways. It is structurally similar to delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) but is a fully synthetic compound with more predictable pharmacokinetics.

Approved indications

Common side effects

Key clinical trials

Primary sources

Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.

SourceUsed for
ClinicalTrials.govTrial enrolment, design, endpoints, results

Competitive intelligence

For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape: