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UPDATE 1-GW's cannabis-based drug shows long-term efficacy

Mon Sep 8, 2008 2:36am EDT

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LONDON, Sept 8 (Reuters) - GW Pharmaceuticals Plc (GWP.L) announced on Monday that a study of its cannabis-based pain killer Sativex has shown long-term efficacy in the treatment of neuropathic pain due to multiple sclerosis.

It is the first time that the long-term effectiveness of the drug had been demonstrated in a so-called placebo-controlled study, where it is tested against a dummy drug.

The news is also significant for the company because it bolsters hopes that it might gain approval for the drug as a treatment for spasticity associated with multiple sclerosis, because the trial is very similar to a late-stage trial that has been running at the request of regulators.

Stephen Wright, GW's R&D Director, said in a statement: "It is encouraging to note that if the difference between Sativex and placebo achieved in the results today are replicated in the ongoing Phase III MS spasticity study, this Phase III study will meet its objectives."

This study is due to report results in the first quarter of 2009 with a regulatory submission planned for the first half of 2009. (Reporting by Ben Deighton, editing by Will Waterman)



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