GW's cannabis-based drug Sativex approved in Canada

GW Pharmaceutical's cannabis-based drug has been approved as a treatment for cancer pain in Canada, the company announced yesterday.

The under-the-tongue spray Sativex is already on sale in the country as a treatment for multiple sclerosis. Dr Geoffrey Guy, the company's chairman, said this latest development represents a further step in its strategy for Sativex, which is to secure approval for the drug across a range of therapies in countries around the world.

Philip Blake, the president of Bayer, which markets the drug in Canada, said pain is one of the most "debilitating and feared symptoms of advanced cancer ... The approval of Sativex for the treatment of these high-need patients is further recognition of the value of this important medicine," he added.

The news of the deal came as GW posted a narrowing of its net losses to £6.7m from £6.9m in the six months to 31 March, in line with expectations. GW has completed late-stage trials of Sativex with 177 patients with cancer pain which showed positive results. Severe pain is experienced by at least two-thirds of cancer patients with advanced disease. The first US late-stage trial of Sativex for cancer pain is due to start in the next couple of months.