MS Society Welcomes Information On Sativex, UK

Main Category: Multiple Sclerosis
Also Included In: Pain / Anesthetics
Article Date: 14 Dec 2007 - 2:00 PDT

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The MS Society has welcomed an unprecedented move by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) to provide potential prescribers of the unlicensed drug Sativex more information to help them in their decision.

Sativex is an oral spray containing a cannabis extract and clinical trials are investigating its efficacy in alleviating symptoms of spasticity and pain in people with multiple sclerosis (MS).

Although currently unlicensed, it is available to people with MS on a named patient basis and around 1,200 people have so far received the drug in the UK.

In publishing the Public Information Report for Sativex, the MHRA will detail a recent assessment of Sativex and the views of a panel of clinical experts.

Dr Lee Dunster, head of research and information at the MS Society said: "We welcome the move to provide more information about the quality, safety and effectiveness of Sativex for people with MS and we look forward to the results of the clinical trials which are due next year."

http://www.mssociety.org.uk