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Cannabis Campaigners' Guide News Database result:
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UK: Cannabis could be getting the NICE treatment
Surgery Door
Monday 18 Feb 2002 Cannabis-based medicines could be available on the NHS by 2004, but only if the government decides to refer them to its medicines advisory board. The Department of Health on Monday (18/02/02) began a consultation to determine the next batch of treatments to be appraised by the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) for availability on the NHS. The pharmaceutical industry, professional bodies and patient groups are all being invited to participate in the month-long consultation. Among the drugs being considered for referral to NICE are cannabinoids for pain relief in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. Ongoing trials into the pain-relieving properties of cannabis are due to be completed by the end of the year. The Medical Research Council is funding two trials, one at Derriford Hospital in Plymouth and another at Hammersmith Hospital in London. The drugs company GW Pharmaceuticals is also conducting its own clinical trials on cannabis-based medicines for the treatment of MS pain, cancer pain and other forms of nerve pain. Early results are believed to be positive but it is thought a decision on whether to license one or more cannabis-derived products will be made by 2004-05. Health Minister Lord Hunt said NICE would use the trial results in its appraisal of the drugs. He said, "If these pharmaceuticals are licensed for medical use, it is of critical importance that NICE guidance is in place for the clinicians who will have to make important decisions about their use." Dr Geoffrey Guy, executive chairman of GW Pharmaceuticals, said the announcement was a positive move by the government. "Recommendation by NICE would further smooth the way for our cannabis-based medicines to be available nationwide to NHS patients on prescription, if our current trials are successful," he said. Other treatments being considered as part of the consultation include hormonal treatments for early breast cancer, new treatments for Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia, and pegylated interferons for hepatitis C.
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