Pubdate: Thu, 17 Jan 2002 Source: Edinburgh Evening News (UK) Copyright: 2002 The Scotsman Publications Ltd Contact: http://www.edinburghnews.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1626 CANNABIS DRUGS 'BY 2004' British drug group GW Pharmaceuticals is confident that the first cannabis-based drugs will be available on prescription by 2004. GW, which floated on the London Stock Exchange in June, is the only company to legally develop and produce cannabis-derived drugs. It said that research was progressing well, with "phase II" clinical trials showing patients were receiving benefit and most drugs now entering "phase III" testing, the "last and most critical stage of development". Executive chairman Dr Geoffrey Guy added: " We remain confident of being able to present data to the UK regulatory authorities in 2003, and - subject to approval - bring the first cannabis-based prescription medicine to market in early 2004." Salisbury-based GW is carrying out research into using the illegal drug as a painkiller for a variety of illnesses, including multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injuries, cancer and arthritis. The update came as GW posted an increase in losses for the year to September 30 - from UKP 2.3 million to UKP 7.2m - after a hike in R&D and admin costs. GW is licensed by the Government and last October, Home Secretary David Blunkett said he would recommend that the Medicines Control Agency authorise medicinal use of cannabis should the trials prove successful. - --- MAP posted-by: Beth