(ECTRIMS) Cannabinoid-based oromucosal spray helps spasticity in patients with MS

[agate]

I haven't got to the actual abstract yet but this article appeared in Doctor's Guide News, September 18, 2016. (The study was funded by a drug company.)

Oromucosal Spray Improves Tough-to-Treat Spasticity in Patients With MS

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By Jill Stein
LONDON -- September 17, 2016 -- New data support the use of a cannabinoid-based oromucosal spray as an add-on option to treat multiple sclerosis (MS)-related resistant spasticity.


The results, which are drawn from a large sample of patients treated with the spray in everyday clinical practice in Europe, were presented here at the 32nd Congress of the European Committee for Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis (ECTRIMS).


Patrick Vermersch, MD, Universitaire de Lille, Lille, France, and colleagues collected data from 433 patients starting treatment with the spray at specialist centres in Italy, Norway, and Denmark.


The spray contains the active substances delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol (THC:CBD) at a ratio of 1:1.


The study aimed to augment the positive clinical findings from randomised clinical trials (RCTs) evaluating the spray.


All patients had moderate-to-severe MS spasticity and had not responded adequately to other anti-spasticity medications.


Effectiveness was measured by rates of treatment continuation and changes from baseline in scores on the spasticity numerical (0-10) rating scale (NRS) and the modified Ashworth scale (0-4).


After a 1-month trial period, patients who had achieved ≥20% improvement in their spasticity NRS score could continue.


Overall, 349 participants continued treatment with the spray beyond the first month visit, and 281 patients continued treatment beyond the third month visit.
Spasticity scores on all scales improved significantly improved in study completers at 3 months: 0-10 NRS (mean 6.9 to 5.4) and Ashworth scale (mean 2.6 to 2.3).


The usual 3-level categorical scale for the severity of spasticity (mild/moderate/severe) showed a marked reduction in severe cases from 37.2% to 12.9%.


The percentage of patients with no restrictions in their daily activities resulting from their spasticity was significantly reduced from 30.2% to 22.8%.
Roughly 20% of patients improved ≥30% on their NRS score.
Dr. Vermersch said that the results compare favourably with results from prior RCTs and observational studies.


Funding for this study was provided by Almirall S.A.

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[Howie]

That's one thing I've never experienced with MS. But it's good to see there is now some relief for those that do.

[agate]

You might have spasticity and not be aware of it. If you have really overactive reflexes, for instance, that seems to be low-grade spasticity.

For many years I kept noticing that an arm or a leg turned out to be in some weird position. I wouldn't have known it was doing what it was doing unless I'd happened to look because I didn't feel that it was where it was--a hand bent out of shape, a lower leg kicking out to the side when I was walking, etc.

That seems to be a type of spasticity.

[Howie]

Perhaps I do and don't know it. I'm right handed, or was, and now I've noticed when I write, or make complex moves with my left hand, the right hand will make strange moves. and look like I'm trying to mimic a claw or something. I always call it my "tardo hand", no offence meant to anyone.

But I've gotten used to it, and don't want to add any new treatments.....at this point in time.

[Frog42]

Sounds promising but I'm wondering if it will be approved in the U.S and how many years it will take. It took a while to open medical MJ dispensaries in this country and then only in certain locations.

[Howie]

The way most laws are in most states, MJ is a money maker for the court systems, and law enforcement. Mostly in the fines given to offenders. So it will be slow being accepted as a treatment for legal patients. But it is slowly changing.

[Sunshine]

I will ask neuro about this. Florida is voting on a medical MJ amendment to the state constitution law in November, and it already allows it for MS and a few other diseases I think. I expect it will pass.mit requires 60% voted.

[SalpalSally]

That's one thing I've never experienced with MS. But it's good to see there is now some relief for those that do.

Me either. Ya think it's time for a joint?

[Howie]

Fire it up Hippy girl!