.....and as things proceed. Te government may reschedule Cannabis as soon as 2013......
http://www.allvoices.com/contributed-news/11358512-cannabis-based-drug-awaiting-fda-approval
Sativex already approved in
Canada, New Zealand and eight European countries
Sativex manufactured by GWPharma, based in the United Kingdom, is now in advanced clinical trials for their mouth spray developed from raw marijuana instead of synthetic hoping now to market this pharmaceutical product in the United States for the treatment of cancer pain. The company is optimistic that they will see FDA approval by the end of 2013.
Sativex which is in a 100 microlitre spray contains two of marijuana components 2.7 milligrams of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinal known as
THC and 2.5 milligrams of
cannabidiol (CBD). It is approved for different usage including relieving muscle spasms for those with MS. Currently the following countries have approved Sativex, United Kingdom, Spain, Germany, New Zealand and Canada.
With the ongoing Marijuana debate across the nation the if the FDA grants approval it will represent a considerable milestone in the nation's usually apprehensive relations with marijuana.
Sixteen states which include Michigan and the District of Columbia do allow patients to legally use marijuana with a physicians recommendation.
The United States
DEA classifies marijuana as a dangerous drug that contains no medical value. However, a chemically alike prescription drug could add to the pressure already on the federal government to reconsider their position and excite other pharmaceutical companies to follow GWPharma steps.
Possession of marijuana is illegal in the United Kingdom. However,
Dr. Geoffrey Guy who founded GWPharam in 1998 and is still remaining Chairman, had received permission to grow and develop a prescription drug around ten years ago. Dr. Guy had presented this idea at a scientific conference that heard informal evidence that marijuana does give relief to MS patients. This had left the British Government gladly receiving it as a possible way "to draw a clear line between recreational and medicinal use," this according to Mark Rogerson, Press and Public Relations for GWPharma.
Besides Sativex, the company is developing medications with different formulations of cannabis.
Last year two FDA drugs in which contain synthetic THC, Marinol and Cesamet to lessen the side effects of chemotherapy in cancer patients had their patent expire last year.
Physicians and patients with apprehension are hopeful regarding Sativex. The National Multiple Sclerosis Foundation does not support marijuana usage in MS patients. The foundation however, is sponsoring a study by the University of California in order to determine how smoking marijuana in comparison to
Marinol works at addressing painful muscle spasms.
The common side effects of Sativex are fatigue and dizziness.
The U. S. Patent and Trademark Office had issued a notice of allowance for a patent which guards the use of Sativex as a treatment for cancer pain, providing and exclusivity period until April 2025.
“If there is a demand and need we could develop a drug that will help people and we will make a lot of money” stated by
Dr. Aron H. Lichtman, PhD,professor of pharmacology and toxicology Virginia Commonwealth University and Elected President of the International Cannabinoid Research Society according to the Associated Press.
Among the medications there are alternatives in which help reduce the pain for those patients with cancer. A few notable ones include:
Chiropractic
Chiropractic care for those patients with cancer has been strongly supported by literature. Favorable responses have been noted with those having musculoskeletal complaints along with symptoms from chemotherapy, radiation and post-surgical trauma associated to connective tissues and joints. Chiropractic care also boosts the immune system, improves physical/emotional well-being and overall quality of life. Chiropractic care offers a broad range of treatment options
Naturopathic Medicine
The goal is to create a healthy environment inside and outside the body and is especially important for those with cancer.
Naturopathic medicine is another alternative that takes a whole-person approach.
Naturopathic medicine for those undergoing cancer care treatment includes decreasing side effects of treatments, improving energy, well-being and overall quality of life along with boosting the immune system.
Hypnotherapy
Since 1958, hypnosis has been recognized by the American Medical Association. In a statement for the National Institutes of Health, 1995, it had been cited that there is strong evidence that
hypnosis can decrease chronic pain associated to cancer. It has also been noted to improve the quality of life in some patients.
