Multiple sclerosis (MS) patients in Scotland can now access medication Sativex on the NHS to help with spasticity, in a move that has been welcomed by MS support organisations.
The Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC) has granted adult NHS patients the right to access Sativex in cases of moderate to severe spasticity where other treatments have not worked.
Previously, Sativex had been approved for use on the NHS in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, but not in Scotland.
Sativex – a cannabis-based medication, which contains tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) – is the only drug in the UK with a licence to treat the muscle stiffness and spasms caused by MS, which can have a profound effect on the lives of patients.
NICE approved Sativex in England, Wales and Northern Ireland as a cost-effective treatment in November 2019, although patients report its implementation varies between different areas and NHS Trusts.
Through that being extended to Scotland, specialist health professionals can now offer a four-week trial of Sativex to people with moderate to severe MS-related spasticity which has not been improved by other treatments.
At the end of the trial, if their spasticity-related symptoms have improved, they can continue taking Sativex.
MS charities and support organisations have long campaigned for greater access to Sativex – which is also being trialled for its potential to treat brain tumours – and welcomed the move by the SMC.
“We are pleased that access to Sativex is now more equal across the UK, and we know that this will greatly improve quality of life for many in the MS community,” said David Martin, chief executive of the MS Trust.
“The challenge ahead is to ensure that everyone eligible can access this treatment.”
Morna Simpkins, director of the MS Society in Scotland, said: “We welcome the SMC’s decision.
“Sativex has been proven to relieve muscle spasms and their associated pain, leading to improved mobility, better sleep patterns and a better quality of life for the person living with MS and their partner, family and loved ones.
“We’ll continue to work with the SMC, NHS Scotland, individual health boards and neurologists to make sure Sativex quickly becomes available to everyone throughout Scotland whose life could be significantly improved by taking it.”
