To make sure you never miss out on your favouriteNEW stories, we're happy to send you some reminders
Click 'OK' then 'Allow' to enable notifications
People With Life-Threatening Epilepsy Could Get Breakthrough Cannabidiol Drug
People with rare,life-threatening forms of epilepsymay soon be getting a breakthroughcannabidiolmedicine, following the news that theEuropean Medicines Agency (EMA) has endorsed GW Pharmaceuticals'cannabis-based drugEpidyolex.
The European Medicines Agency's Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) has recommendedEpidyolex- along with three other novel drugs - for approval following its 22-25 July meetings.
The drug has been given the nod for the treatment of seizures associated withLennox-Gastautsyndrome orDravet综合征，两种形式的癫痫。
According toThe Sun, trials of the drug were carried out atLondon's Great Ormond Street Hospital on children who were having multiple seizures a day, with results showing it stopped the seizures in many cases, while significantly reducing them in others.
"The benefits withEpidyolexare its ability to help manage seizures associated with LGS and DS," the EMAsaid.
"The most common side effects are somnolence, decreased appetite,diarrhoea, pyrexia, fatigue and vomiting."
According to GW Pharmaceuticals, the drug wonCHMP backing and now awaits a final EU decision within two months.
"This marks a major milestone for patients, and their families, battling to control two of the most severe and life-threatening forms of childhood onset epilepsy," aspokesman for GW Pharmaceuticals said.
"Cannabidiol oral solution is the first in a new class of epilepsy medicines and the first plant-derived cannabis-based medicine to be submitted for European regulatory review, representing a historic breakthrough."
The announcement follows news on Friday(26 July) of the mother of a five-year-old girl with epilepsy having medical cannabis oils seized at Stansted Airport.
TannineMontgomery, 30, said daughter Indie-Rose was having seizures and panic attacks before they started using the oils 14 months ago.
The law in the UK was changed last November to legalise access to medical cannabis. However, many parents have been struggling to secure prescriptions - either due to reluctance within the medical community or the high costs associated with it.
Montgomery, from Clare in Suffolk, has a private UK prescription to treat Indie-Rose'sDravetsyndrome, but she says it is much cheaper to travel aboard and stock up on oils elsewhere.
"To obtain a special importlicencewould cost us £4,500 per month as opposed to the £1,500 we pay for the drug at the moment," she said.
"Seizing this medicine is condemning my lovely daughter to becoming comatose, wracked by seizures and to be at high risk of an unnecessary death.
"For the love of God, this medicine is legal in the UK and I have a full lawful UK prescription for it."
- Drug Dealer Explains How He Turned His Life Around After 'Getting Away With It' For Years
- People Split Over Video Of Anthony Joshua Threatening To Crack Students' Jaws
- Northern Lights visible off UK coast and could be again tonight
- Big Changes Coming To McDonald's Restaurants Could Mean You Get Served Faster
