Bayer Schering Pharma UK has announced the approval of Sativex® Oromucosal Spray and its availability in the UK as a prescription-only medicine for the treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS). 

Sativex® is the first cannabinoid medicine derived from whole plant extracts of the cannabis sativa plant containing both delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD).  It is indicated as add-on treatment, for symptom improvement in patients with moderate to severe spasticity due to MS who have not responded adequately to other anti-spasticity medication and who demonstrate clinically significant improvement in spasticity related symptoms during an initial trial of therapy (please see attached for the SmPC). 

The number and timings of sprays will differ between patients, and a titration period is required to establish the optimal dose (maximum of 12 sprays per day).  The press release states that the typical patient will use 8 sprays a day; this will cost around £11 per day based on an NHS price of £125 per 10mL vial.

Please see the attached press release for further background information, including the trial data that approval was based on.