News / Health & Wellness
Sativex Gains Approval
The U.K. approves the first cannabis-derived drug for use by multiple sclerosis patients. Will it impact the medical marijuana debate in the U.S.?
While the medical marijuana debate rages on in the U.S., a drug made from natural cannabis has become the first of it’s kind approved in the world. The United Kingdom's Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency approved Sativex, an oral spray, just last week and it’s already on sale in Great Britain.
The newly-approved prescription-only drug is meant for use by multiple sclerosis patients as it targets the effects of spasticity, a symptom of multiple sclerosis caused by damage to nerves in the central nervous system. These spasms eventually lead to a loss of mobility and involuntary stiffening of muscles in M.S. sufferers.
Sativex Info
Sativex differs from medical marijuana in that it is derived from natural cannabis plant extracts instead of synthetic THC, the active ingredient found in prescription medical marijuana drugs like Marinol, currently approved for use in the U.K. in pill form to treat chemo side effects for cancer patients. Sativex is sprayed into the mouth on the inside of the cheek or under the tongue, according to Bayer Schering Pharma, the pharmaceutical company behind the product.
While Multiple Sclerosis groups in the U.K. supported the approval of the medication, in clinical trials, Sativex only relieved spasms and cramping associated with spasticity for about half of the study participants. That’s a positive result, according to the manufacturer.
There is no evidence of long-term dependence or tolerance so Sativex isn’t likely to add to the world’s growing prescription addiction problem. In fact, many early users say they've been able to reduce their dosage over time.
Sativex is currently in phase II clinical trials for cancer patients in the U.S., but it will likely be several years before it receives FDA approval.
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