Bayer HealthCare’s Sativex to be assessed in cancer pain trial

Bayer HealthCare's cannabis-based multiple sclerosis drug Sativex is to be assessed in a trial for a new indication against cancer pain.

The product's manufacturer GW Pharmaceuticals has initiated a third phase III study in the treatment of pain in patients with advanced cancer, who have experienced inadequate analgesia during optimised chronic opioid therapy.

Otsuka Pharmaceutical – which owns the US commercialisation rights to Sativex – will be responsible for funding the study, with the data aimed at obtaining regulatory approval for the drug in this indication in the US, Europe and other territories.

Dr Stephen Wright, GW's research and development director, said: "With significant numbers of patients with advanced cancer around the world suffering pain in spite of treatment with opioid therapy, Sativex has the potential to meet a very significant unmet need."

Sativex was the first cannabis-derived drug to be licensed in the UK and is marketed in Britain by Bayer, with Almirall handling distribution in Europe and Mexico.