Sativex was developed by GW Pharmaceuticals — who have been growing cannabis at secret locations in England — and will be marketed by German company Bayer AG.
In June the UK Medicines and Healthcare product Regulatory Agency approved its use by as a treatment for spasticity — spasms, cramps and other similar symptoms — in multiple sclerosis patients who aren't benefitting from other treatments. Its approval follows successful clinical trials and will cost the NHS around £11 per day for each patient.
Justin Gover, GW Pharmaceuticals' managing director said: "Roughly one-third of multiple sclerosis patients are believed to have tried cannabis to get relief, with some surveys suggesting the proportion is as high as 43%."
Bayer AG estimate that 100,000 people suffer from multiple sclerosis and that 11,500 people in the UK will be eligible for treatment with the drug, but only half will get a good response.
"The formal launch of Sativex represents a milestone in treating the disease," said Pam Macfarlane, chief executive of the MS Trust, a charity which has campaigned for a licensed medicine derived from cannabis to be made available.
NewsHawk: Ganjarden: 420 MAGAZINE
Source: Laboratory News
Copyright: 2010Laboratory News
In June the UK Medicines and Healthcare product Regulatory Agency approved its use by as a treatment for spasticity — spasms, cramps and other similar symptoms — in multiple sclerosis patients who aren't benefitting from other treatments. Its approval follows successful clinical trials and will cost the NHS around £11 per day for each patient.
Justin Gover, GW Pharmaceuticals' managing director said: "Roughly one-third of multiple sclerosis patients are believed to have tried cannabis to get relief, with some surveys suggesting the proportion is as high as 43%."
Bayer AG estimate that 100,000 people suffer from multiple sclerosis and that 11,500 people in the UK will be eligible for treatment with the drug, but only half will get a good response.
"The formal launch of Sativex represents a milestone in treating the disease," said Pam Macfarlane, chief executive of the MS Trust, a charity which has campaigned for a licensed medicine derived from cannabis to be made available.
NewsHawk: Ganjarden: 420 MAGAZINE
Source: Laboratory News
Copyright: 2010Laboratory News
