Pubdate: Thu, 13 Dec 2012
Source: Herald, The (Glasgow, UK)
Copyright: 2012 Herald & Times Group
Contact:  http://www.heraldscotland.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/4784
Page: 7

CANNABIS OF LITTLE HELP TO MS PATIENTS

THERE is no strong evidence to back the use of cannabis extract in
patients with multiple sclerosis, a review said today.

Researchers have looked at trial results involving the first
cannabinoid treatment licensed to alleviate muscle spasms in MS.

According to their findings, published in the Drugs and Therapeutics
Bulletin (DTB), the trials showed sufferers who used the mouth spray,
called Sativex, experienced small improvements compared to those who
received a placebo. However, the reviewers say in many of the studies
Sativex was used for relatively short periods  from six weeks to four
months.

They also say two of the trials included doses that exceeded the 12
daily sprays for which the preparation is licensed and one trial did
not have sufficient numbers of participants to validate the results.

James Cave, GP and DTB editor, said the findings were disappointing.

He said: "MS is a serious and disabling condition, and it would be
great to say that this drug could make a big difference, but the
benefit is only modest."
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MAP posted-by: Matt