Wales becomes first UK nation to approve a cannabis-based drug for Multiple Sclerosis sufferers

The MS Society Cymru says availability of drug is good news for sufferers in Wales

Wales has become the first country in the UK to approve a cannabis-based drug for sufferers of multiple sclerosis.

Health Minister Mark Drakeford has approved the cannabis-based oral spray Sativex to treat Welsh patients experiencing symptoms of muscle spasms and stiffness.

Consultants in rehabilitation medicine have hailed the recommendation as a “significant milestone for the treatment of spasticity”.

Despite the National Institute of Health and Care Excellence (NICE) rejecting it for use in their draft clinical guideline for MS – which means Sativex could be blocked from use in England – the All Wales Medical Strategy Group’s (AWMSG) insisted the treatment should be made available.

The AWMSG recommendation and Ministerial approval overrules NICE, meaning Wales will be the only place in the UK where people will be able to access the treatment.

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http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/wales-becomes-first-uk-nation-7623310