GW Pharmaceuticals - Research Update

RNS Number:2137M
GW Pharmaceuticals PLC
22 January 2008

Highly Promising Results for New GW Cannabinoid Treatments for Diabetes and
Related Metabolic Disorders

Preparations underway for commencement of Phase II trials in 2008

Porton Down, UK, 22 January 2008: GW Pharmaceuticals plc (AIM: GWP) announces
that it has generated highly promising results in both pre-clinical pharmacology
studies and a Phase I trial of a new potential cannabinoid treatment for type 2
diabetes and related metabolic disorders. This research is part of a programme
being conducted by GW to evaluate selected cannabinoids in a range of
therapeutic areas.

GW's initial cannabinoid target in this field, delta-9-tetrahydrocannabivarin
(THCV), has successfully completed extensive pre-clinical pharmacology studies
and its first Phase I clinical trial.

The pre-clinical studies have yielded highly promising findings. Recent results
in several models of diabetes show desirable effects on plasma insulin, leptin
and adiponectin levels, hormones of particular relevance to the development and
treatment of diabetes, especially in obese individuals. In addition, we have
seen a reduction in total cholesterol with an increase in the proportion of HDL
(good) cholesterol.

The recently completed Phase I trial was a randomised, double blind, placebo
controlled, dose escalation, safety and tolerability study of single doses of
THCV in twelve healthy volunteer subjects. This trial showed that the study
medication was well tolerated at target therapeutic doses and demonstrated a
satisfactory safety profile.

Following on from this first study, GW is now preparing for a Phase IIa multiple
dose study in type 2 diabetic patients in 2008.

These recent results add to previous findings showing effects on body weight,
body fat content, energy expenditure, food intake, and other obesity-related
parameters.

Dr Stephen Wright, R&D Director of GW, said, "These new results confirm that
GW's proprietary plant-based cannabinoids have significant potential as
treatments in this important branch of therapeutics. We are now ready to build
upon the pre-clinical data, as well as the Phase I trial results, by entering
Phase II proof of principle studies during 2008."

Dr Geoffrey Guy, Chairman, said, "This exciting research programme is a further
example of the range of potential for GW's cannabinoids as new medicines. We
believe that our research in the field of metabolic disorders represents a
significant opportunity for GW and that it has the potential to be an important
new area for future collaboration with partners."

Enquiries:

GW Pharmaceuticals plc Today: +44 20 7831 3113
Dr Geoffrey Guy, Chairman Thereafter: + 44 1980 557000
Justin Gover, Managing Director

Financial Dynamics Tel: +44 20 7831 3113
David Yates, Ben Atwell

Notes to Editors

About Metabolic Syndrome

The Metabolic Syndrome describes a cluster of symptoms and signs which typically
occur together. These are Type 2 diabetes, dyslipidemia (particularly raised
cholesterol and reduced HDL-cholesterol), fatty liver, central obesity and
hypertension. Underlying the syndrome are abnormalities of some of the
fundamental mechanisms of normal energy metabolism, notably increased insulin
resistance. The consequences of the metabolic syndrome include an increased
morbidity and mortality from inflammatory and cardiovascular disease (heart
disease and stroke) in particular. The incidence of the metabolic syndrome is
rising in parallel with the increase in central obesity, and its effective
treatment represents a major challenge to society.

About GW

GW was founded in 1998 and listed on the AiM, a market of the London Stock
Exchange, in June 2001. Operating under license from the UK Home Office, the
company researches and develops cannabinoid pharmaceutical products for patients
who suffer from a range of serious ailments, in particular pain and other
neurological symptoms. GW has assembled a team of over 100 scientists with
extensive experience in developing both plant-based prescription pharmaceutical
products and medicines containing controlled substances. GW occupies a world
leading position in cannabinoids and has developed an extensive international
network of the most prominent scientists in the field.

This news release may contain forward-looking statements that reflect the
Group's current expectations regarding future events, including the clinical
development and regulatory clearance of the Group's products. Forward-looking
statements involve risks and uncertainties. Actual events could differ
materially from those projected herein and depend on a number of factors,
including (inter alia), the success of the Group's research strategies, the
applicability of the discoveries made therein, the successful and timely
completion of clinical studies, including with respect to Sativex and the
Group's other products, the uncertainties related to the regulatory process, and
the acceptance of Sativex and other products by consumers and medical
professionals.

This information is provided by RNS
The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
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