GW Pharmaceuticals, a British drug company, has revealed that recent clinical trials of a cannabis-based drug for treating patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) and other forms of severe pain has produced promising results. Results of the 70-patient strong phase II trial showed that the drug significantly reduced pain, muscle spasms, and bladder dysfunction, and also improved neurological function. GW, who have recently been given regulatory approval to begin clinical trials of the drug in Canada, say the drug will offer patients the pain-relieving properties of cannabis without the “unwanted psychoactive side effects”. The company plans to market its first prescription cannabis-based drug by 2003.
SOURCE/REFERENCE: Reported by www.reutershealth.com on the 2nd May 2001
