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Research adds weight to cannabis drug licence call
A study has confirmed that the cannabis-based drug Sativex has long-term positive effects for people with multiple sclerosis (ms) who experience neuropathic pain.
The data shows that the short-term benefits of using Sativex, which were already known, can be maintained over a longer period of time.
Dr David Rog, first author of the paper and consultant neurologist at Greater Manchester Neurosciences Centre, who completed the study while at The Walton Centre for Neurology and Neurosurgery in Liverpool, said:"This study demonstrates that long-term use of Sativex provides sustained benefit in aroundhalf of patients with MS and central neuropathic pain.
“The improvement in these patients is obtained without the need for them to increase their dose."
Justin Gover, managing director of GW Pharmaceuticals, said the findings were "important" and would be submitted as part of the company’s application for a licence for the drug.
GW Pharmaceuticals temporarily withdrew its application to the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) earlier this year, but intends to submit a new application for approval in 2008.
Dr David Rog, first author of the paper and consultant neurologist at Greater Manchester Neurosciences Centre, who completed the study while at The Walton Centre for Neurology and Neurosurgery in Liverpool, said:"This study demonstrates that long-term use of Sativex provides sustained benefit in aroundhalf of patients with MS and central neuropathic pain.
“The improvement in these patients is obtained without the need for them to increase their dose."
Justin Gover, managing director of GW Pharmaceuticals, said the findings were "important" and would be submitted as part of the company’s application for a licence for the drug.
GW Pharmaceuticals temporarily withdrew its application to the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) earlier this year, but intends to submit a new application for approval in 2008.