GW hails tests on pain drug - Business - Evening Standard
       

GW hails tests on pain drug

GW Pharmaceuticals today announced what it said were positive results from its trial of cannabis-based medicine on patients with pain related to their multiple sclerosis.

The company has spent years attempting to convince regulators of the efficacy of its Sativex medicine.

Today it said the latest tests had been described by regulators as being sufficient to satisfy the need for long term efficacy data.

In it, some of a group of 42 patients suffering from multiple sclerosis who had previously been taking Sativex had their doses of the drug replaced by a placebo. Those who were taken off the Sativex reported increased pain and difficulty sleeping.

Those kept on Sativex maintained or improved their levels of pain and sleeplessness. Dr Stephen Wright, research and development director at GW, said: "It is encouraging to note that if the difference between Sativex and placebo achieved in the results today are replicated in the Phase III MS study, it will meet his objectives."

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