Research: sativex can alleviate spasticity in mice

Hilliard A, Stott C, Wright S, Guy G, Pryce G, Al-Izki S, Bolton C, Giovannoni G. Evaluation of the Effects of Sativex (THC BDS: CBD BDS) on Inhibition of Spasticity in a Chronic Relapsing Experimental Allergic Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis: A Model of Multiple Sclerosis. ISRN Neurol. 2012;2012:802649. Epub 2012 Aug 7.

This study investigated the anti-spasticity potential of Sativex in mice. Chronic relapsing experimental allergic encephalomyelitis was induced in adult ABH mice resulting in hind limb spasticity development. Vehicle, Sativex, and baclofen (as a positive control) were administered and the "stiffness" of limbs assessed by the resistance force against hind limb flexion. Vehicle alone caused no significant change in spasticity. Baclofen induced approximately a 40% peak reduction in spasticity. Sativex dose dependently reduced spasticity up to approximately a 40% peak reduction in spasticity. Sativex has the potential to reduce spasticity in an experimental mouse model of multiple sclerosis (MS). Sativex was just as effective as baclofen, providing supportive evidence for Sativex use in the treatment of spasticity in MS. 

The compounds within Sativex can inhibit spasticity in mice. Well no big shakes there Sativex has been licenced for the treatment of spasticty in Msers for a few years. Yes I know few PCT are funding it because it is too expensive. 

Well members of Team G showed that this should happen many moons ago and this study confirms this. The important thing is that mice can not talk to us and so if we can measure benefit, it is not that they are conned because of mind-altering effects, which is a comment often aimed at MSers who take cannabis. 

However, the reason why this is important is that the regulators such as the FDA like to see that drugs work in pre-clinical models. This works because it acts on a biology that is involved in the control of spasticity.

CoI: Work was undertaken by Team G and supported by GW Pharmaceuticals the makers of Sativex.  Other Members of Team G have generated potentially competing chemicals

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