Two rare forms of epilepsy can already be treated in Spain with the first drug made exclusively based on cannabidiol (CBD). One of the components of the cannabis plant. Which has been authorized by the Ministry of Health for patients over two years.
Lennox-Gastault syndrome (LGS) and Dravet syndrome (DS)
The laboratory GW Pharmaceuticals, a world leader in cannabinoid-based drugs and now part of Jazz Pharmaceuticals. He presented this Tuesday at a press conference “Epidyolex”, the first drug that this company markets in Spain.
It is indicated, together with clobazam, for the treatment of seizures associated with Lennox-Gastault syndrome (LGS). As well as for Dravet syndrome (DS), and it will be dispensed in a hospital pharmacy.
Adverse effects
Its approval is based on the results of four randomized, placebo-controlled phase III trials, with data from more than 714 patients in whom this drug produced improvements.
The most common adverse effects were drowsiness, instability or diarrhea, common to the rest of the medicines to treat this disease. In addition, they can be controlled by adjusting the doses.
Drug trials and results
As explained this Tuesday by the neurologist Vicente Villanueva, head of the Refractory Epilepsy Unit of the Hospital La Fe de València. Trials have found in patients with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome a 40% reduction in the overall seizure, which means avoiding numerous falls.
“As clinicians and researchers we are pleased to have these new options.” This researcher who led the study in patients with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome in La Fe explained at the press conference.
“Access to a new drug with a novel and clinically proven mechanism of action is cause for hope for patients. And of satisfaction for the specialists ”, he celebrated.
About “Epidyolex” the new cannabis epilepsy drug
“Epidyolex” is an oral solution containing highly purified cannabidiol (CBD). In September 2019 it received the approval of the European Commission. Making it the first plant-derived cannabis-based prescription drug to receive this authorization.
The approval of cannabidiol oral solution was based on the results of four randomized controlled phase III trials. Spain has participated in the clinical development of this therapy with more than 10 hospitals.
Innovative medicines
Over the past two decades, GW has conducted scientific research and clinical trials to discover the therapeutic potential of the plant. And he believes that patients and their doctors deserve access to innovative cannabis-based medicines that are effective, safe and of quality.
This can only happen, they note at the company, if cannabis products undergo rigorous, high-quality clinical trials. As well as the approval of the health authorities, as is done with the rest of the medicines.
Related Notes:
COVID ‘nightmare’ is coming in the following months according to experts
Coahuila, first state to vaccinate against COVID to minors between 12 and 17 years old
What Makes Vaccinated People More Prone to Serious COVID-19 Infections?