Good News for 11,500

Sativex® launched in UK for the treatment of spasticity due to Multiple Sclerosis
Newbury, Berkshire, 21st June 2010 – Sativex® (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD)), the first cannabinoid medicine derived from whole plant extracts from the cannabis sativa plant, is launched today to treat spasticity associated with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) by Bayer Schering Pharma.1 Available as a prescription only medicine and given as a mouth spray, the launch of Sativex® means that now, for people with MS experiencing the spasms and cramping associated with spasticity, there is another option to add to their standard treatment.

Main effects of CBD and THC:13

CBD - Anti-inflammatory, anticonvulsant, antipsycotic, anti-oxidant, neuroprotective, immunomodulatory
THC - Analgesic, anti-spasmodic, anti-tremor, anti-inflammatory, appetite stimulant, anti-emetic
The most common side effects of Sativex® are dizziness, which occurs mainly in the first few weeks of treatment, and fatigue. These reactions are usually mild to moderate and improve within a few days even if treatment is continued.1
Of the 84% of people with MS who have reported symptoms of spasticity, approximately 11,500 would be eligible for treatment with Sativex (those who are already on combination therapy). Of these about 50% will have a good response from Sativex®.5 The NHS price for Sativex® is £125 per 10ml vial which for a typical patient means approximately £11 per day.15
Sativex® is a registered trade mark of GW Pharmaceuticals and GW Pharmaceuticals is the Marketing Authorisation holder for Sativex®.
More information for the press can be found at www.sativex.co.uk
About Sativex®
Sativex® was developed by UK-based GW Pharmaceuticals plc in specific response to the MS population’s unmet need for a prescription cannabis based medicine. Manufactured under Home Office licence at an undisclosed location (Porton Down) in the UK, Sativex® will be marketed in the UK by Bayer Schering Pharma.