New data on Sativex in MS presented by Almirall

Almirall (ALM: MC), Spain’s largest drugmaker, presented new clinical evidences of Sativex, the only medicine derived from cannabinoids to treat spasticity symptoms in multiple sclerosis (MS), at the 31st Congress of the European Committee for Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis (ECTRIMS), being held in Barcelona.

In the context of this congress, experts have discussed the different aspects of the disease, including spasticity impact on patients quality of life and the specifics of its treatment with Sativex, which Almirall markets under license from the UK’s GW Pharmaceutical (AIM: GWP).

Data from the new THC:CBD observational study data in daily practice were presented, including the largest observational study to date aimed at evaluating Sativex general effectiveness and tolerability. The Sativex AIFA e-Registry, carried out with a large population of 1,534 Italian patients with MS, showed a high initial response rate, as more than 60% of patients continued treatment after the 1st month trial period once proving enough effect (>20% spasticity improvement from baseline) and acceptable tolerability. About 25% of these patients already showed NRS (Numeric Rating Scale) improvement over 30%. It also showed a clinically relevant effectiveness rate after 6 months, when 40.2% of them reached NRS improvements over 30% at 6 months.