Cannabis-based medicines for epilepsy and multiple sclerosis approved by NHS

Written by Alice Bough, Future Science Group

New guidelines published by NICE have led to NHS England approving two cannabis-based medications for the treatment of epilepsy and multiple sclerosis (MS). Children living with the severe forms of epilepsy, Lennox Gastaut syndrome and Dravet syndrome can now receive Epidyolex® while individuals living with MS can now receive Sativex® for the relief of spasticity. Clinical trials involving the cannabidiol (CBD)-containing oral solution Epidyolex have demonstrated that some children taking it can experience 40% reduction in epileptic seizures. While approved for use in Europe in September 2019, guidance from NICE initially advised that Epidyolex was not a cost-effective treatment for...

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