CampaignsHealthcare RationingCannabis-based spray scientifically proven to help Multiple Sclerosis sufferers Cannabis-based spray scientifically proven to help Multiple Sclerosis sufferers
02/11/2007
In July 2007 the Mature Times highlighted the plight of Elizabeth Ridge, who, despite being crippled by Multiple Sclerosis, was refused £4 a day funding for the cannabis-based Sativex by her North Somerset PCT on the grounds that the costs did not justify the treatment (see link below to original article).
Now new research has once again shown what other countries already know and endorse. It works.
The Journal of Clinical Therapeutics has published the results of a study which show that Sativex not only provides effective long term treatment of central neuropathic pain in MS, but that these benefits are obtained without any evidence of tolerance (increase in dose) to the medicine.
These extended length trial results followed an earlier short term controlled trial, and improvements in the pain scores for those patients who completed the extension trial showed sustained improvement over two years. Side effects reported during the two year period were in general mild or moderate in severity. The mean number of sprays remained stable throughout the two year period, so there was no evidence of tolerance (meaning escalation in dose) with long term exposure, and the study did not raise any additional safety concerns.
Dr David Rog, first author of the paper and Consultant Neurologist at Greater Manchester Neurosciences Centre, said: “This study demonstrates that long-term use of Sativex provides sustained benefit in around half of patients with MS and central neuropathic pain. The improvement in these patients is obtained without the need for them to increase their dose.”
Sativex is already approved as a prescription medicine in Canada for the relief of central neuropathic pain in MS. This approval was based on a previously reported study, which was published in the peer-reviewed journal, Neurology, which showed that Sativex was significantly superior to placebo in reducing pain and sleep disturbance. It also showed Sativex to be effective in short-term use, whereas this newly-published study confirms that its effect in reducing pain and improving sleep is maintained over a prolonged period.
In addition to these completed trials, manufacturers GW Pharmaceuticals have recently completed patient recruitment in an additional pivotal Phase III trial in MS neuropathic pain. The study has recruited 339 patients and is GW’s largest clinical trial to date. The duration of treatment in the study is 14 weeks and headline results are expected in 2008.
Dr Stephen Wright, GW’s R&D Director, said: “The results confirm that Sativex is able to provide substantial relief from pain for a long period of time to patients who have previously failed to obtain benefit from other available treatments."
So, the question is: when will NICE pass this drug to help thousands of MS sufferers in the UK?