Cannabis-based medicines on verge of recognition

Patients in uncontrollable pain from terminal cancer are to be treated with cannabis-based medicines as part of British trials launched last week.

The cannabis extracts, which are sprayed under the tongue, are already being tested on people with multiple sclerosis (MS) as part of phase-three trials - the last stage before approval by the Medicines Control Agency.

If the success of earlier experiments is repeated, an application to license the medicines for patients with MS, cancer and spinal cord damage could be made next year.

GW Pharmaceuticals, which specialises in cannabis-based medicines, said more than 100 patients with terminal cancer would take part in the study at more than 20 centres.

The company, which is based at Porton Down near Salisbury, grows special strains of cannabis at secret locations.

Preliminary results from phase-two trials on MS patients and those with spinal injuries showed significant improvements in a range of symptoms.

Dr Geoffrey Guy, executive chairman of the company, said 40 per cent of cancer patients did not get relief from opiates such as morphine, and half had pain that could not be controlled by licensed medicines.

"Cannabis-based medicine has the potential to provide considerable advantages over current medications to cancer patients."

nzherald.co.nz/health

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