GW Pharmaceuticals says Sativex effective in neuropathic pain

UK-based GW Pharmaceuticals said that Sativex was well-tolerated in the study, with the majority of adverse events being mild or moderate. In the study, Sativex demonstrated significant superiority to placebo in reducing pain, as measured on a 0-10 numeric rating scale, the primary endpoint of the study.

Statistically significant improvements were also seen in the neuropathic pain scale composite score, sleep disturbance, dynamic allodynia, punctate allodynia, pain disability index and patients global impression of change.

The trial was a multi-center, double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled parallel group study, conducted in 125 patients with peripheral neuropathic pain characterised by allodynia.

This study is part of a broad program of clinical trials aimed at securing future regulatory approval for Sativex in neuropathic pain. It is intended to conduct further Phase III clinical trials targeted at neuropathic pain following initial regulatory approval for Sativex in multiple sclerosis in Europe.