GW hails trials of cannabis MS treatment

[Tom]

GW hails trials of cannabis MS treatment

 

 

GW PHARMACEUTICALS, Britain’s only licensed producer of cannabis for medicinal use, has said one of its drugs has been successful in treating multiple sclerosis as it posted slightly wider half-year losses.

 

The firm said tests had shown Sativex had significantly improved treatment of spasticity, or spasms and stiffness - one of the most common symptoms of MS.

 

It added that trials of the drug on 189 MS sufferers had shown an impact "over and above" that of the patients’ existing treatments.

 

GW said the UK regulatory approval process for Sativex, administered as an oral spray, was making progress as it unveiled net losses for the six months to March 31 of £6.9 million, against £6.7m last time round.

 

Executive chairman Dr Geoffrey Guy said a string of positive trials had left it with no doubts about the value of its cannabis-based drugs.

 

He added: "I’m confident our continuing focus on the lead research programmes will ensure GW remains well placed to deliver excellent value growth in the coming years."

 

GW, based in Salisbury, Wiltshire, said phase three clinical trials of Sativex had shown a "statistically significant" improvement over existing treatment of spasticity caused by MS. Spasticity occurs in as many as three-quarters of people with MS, according to the MS Society.

 

It can affect many aspects of daily life, such as walking and sitting, and can range from mild to severe and change over time, often from day to day or hour to hour.

 

GW, which is valued at about £150m, said previous phase three trials of Sativex had shown it to reduce pain and sleep disturbance and to improve quality of life.

 

The drug has also proved effective in treating patients with neuropathic pain and arthritis.

 

Author: Scotsman.com

Date: Tue 22 Jun 2004

Source: http://business.scotsman.com/technology.cfm?id=715412004

Copyright: ©2004 Scotsman.com