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UK: Clinical trials for cannabis drug

Andrew Bushe

Sunday Times

Sunday 27 Mar 2005

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A BRITISH drug firm is carrying out clinical research trials in Ireland to
determine the effectiveness of a cannabis extract in controlling severe
cancer-related pain.

GW Pharmaceuticals, a market leader in pioneering the use of medicines
containing cannabis extract, has received a licence from the Irish
Medicines Board under the Control of Clinical Trials Acts 1987 and 1990.

The board refused to make any comment on the trials, saying the information
was "commercially sensitive".

Cannabis is a schedule one controlled drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act
and is subject to tight restrictions in its prescription and use similar to
narcotics such as heroin and morphine.

However, licences can be granted for research and, in the case of certain
low tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) plant varieties of cannabis, for the growing
of hemp.

There have been calls both here and in Britain to allow its medical use to
treat patients suffering from cancer, multiple sclerosis, glaucoma and
motor neurone disease.

GW Pharmaceuticals is undertaking similar clinical trials in Britain. The
company has developed a cannabis-based medicine called Sativex which has
been found to help multiple sclerosis patients cope with spasms and
stiffness, both common symptoms of the disease.

Sativex, which lists a cannabis extract containing THC and cannabidiol as
its principal components, is administered using a mouth spray. Regulatory
approval is being sought in Britain and Canada.

The drug is also being tested with cancer patients. The company says about
40% of cancer sufferers at present "have unmet needs in pain suppression".

In Britain, cannabis was reclassified and downgraded in January last year
with the result that most cases of possession are now a non-arrestable
offence. However, new studies suggest a strong link between the drug and
mental illness.

Charles Clarke, the British home secretary, has now asked the UK's Advisory
Council on the Misuse of Drugs to consider whether the fresh research
should mean a rethink.

 

 

 

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