VeriSexy

Multiple sclerosis patients may benefit from a controversial new drug that has been approved in Canada for the treatment of neuropathic pain. Canada is the first country in the world to approve Sativex, a spray taken by mouth that is derived from components of the cannabis plant, which has been shown to have therapeutic properties.
The move is controversial, because marijuana and other hallucinogens also are made from parts of the cannabis plant. Proponents of medical marijuana are hailing the drug's approval.

Health Canada has approved Sativex for sale as a prescription pharmaceutical product under the country's Notice of Compliance with Conditions (NOC/c) policy.

This authorization reflects the positive nature of the clinical evidence, which will be confirmed with further studies, say UK-based GW Pharmaceuticals and Bayer HealthCare in a joint statement. Products approved under the NOC/c policy have demonstrated promising benefit, are of high quality, and possess an acceptable safety profile based on a benefit/risk assessment for the approved use, they note.

Effective pain control and management are extremely important in a disease like MS," said Dr. Allan Gordon, Neurologist and Director of the Wasser Pain Management Center, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Ontario. "The approval of Sativex in Canada reflects the urgent need for additional treatment options in the field of neuropathic pain in MS."

Pain is a common symptom of MS occurring in up to 86 percent of people with MS. Neuropathic, or nerve, pain can occur spontaneously or can be provoked by touch, temperature or movement. It is estimated that 50 percent of people with MS suffer from chronic neuropathic pain, according to research cited by the companies.

Like Being Plugged into Electrical Outlet

The most common descriptions of neuropathic pain are of freezing, cold or burning sensations -- usually of the limbs and most often of the lower extremities. Many individuals with neuropathic pain respond inadequately to current treatment options.

"It's hard to explain to someone who has never felt this type of pain. It's like being plugged into an electric socket all the time," said Steve Walsh, who suffers from MS and has lived with neuropathic pain for five years. "At times, putting on clothes or anything touching me can be too much to take," he added.

http://health.dailynewscentral.net/c...iew/000655/31/

Quality of Life Issue

While there is no complete cure for MS or neuropathic pain, a double-blind placebo controlled parallel group study demonstrated that Sativex provided significantly greater pain relief than placebo. Sativex also reduced pain-related sleep disturbance significantly.

?The approval of Sativex is good news for the Canadian MS community," said Dr. William J. McIlroy, National Medical Advisor, MS Society of Canada. "People living with MS and neuropathic pain need new options to address their pain. Sativex will likely be welcomed by the many people with MS, whose quality of life has been further compromised with neuropathic pain.?

Reliable, Self-Administered Pain Relief

A product resulting from research undertaken by UK-based GW Pharmaceuticals, Sativex is marketed in Canada by Bayer HealthCare, Pharmaceuticals Division. Sativex is the first product indicated in Canada as adjunctive treatment for the symptomatic relief of neuropathic pain in MS, according to the companies.

The principal active cannabinoid components of Sativex are delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). The ratio of THC to CBD in Sativex is 2.7 mg : 2.5 mg per spray, ensuring a standardized dose is delivered each time it is used.

Sativex is administered through a spray pump under the tongue or on the inside of the cheek, providing reliable, self-administered pain relief, according to the companies. The spray formulation allows for more flexible dosing than an oral tablet, well suited to the variable nature of neuropathic pain experienced by people with MS.

Puts Patient in Control

?Because Sativex is designed for self-administration, this allows for flexible dosing and puts the patient in control of their pain,? said Dr. Gordon. ?This is very important, since pain severity varies between different patients and even in the same patient at different times.?

In clinical trials, the most frequent side-effects included nausea, fatigue, dizziness and application-site reactions, the companies report. Side-effects were usually mild or moderate in severity, and often resolved with down-titration or interruption of treatment.

Sativex is expected to be available through Canadian pharmacies by late Spring 2005.

__________________

brand0n

i want some

ezrydn

It's about friggin' time. I emailed a friend in Vancouver last night and told him to bring me some when we meet in Vegas in September.

Also, Mexico Senate WILL approve bill for Medical MJ THIS YEAR, per the local paper.

All the stories talk about the medical aspect being for use by persons with "chronic" problems. I love the fact they chose the word 'chronic."

Attention Vets: PTSD, as you know, IS "chronic." There's no pill, no cure, therapy doesn't last. Soooo.......................

My "real" doctor down here told me that the day it passes, he'll write the script for me. Good days are coming..........

Spunky

Sure is a disabling disease..can happen to anyone at anytime

__________________

Harmon

How long until it's available online?

__________________
[email protected]