BACKGROUND: Nabiximols (Sativex®), a cannabinoid-based oromucosal spray, is an add-on therapy for patients with moderate to severe multiple sclerosis spasticity (MSS) resistant to other medications. The primary objective was to provide real-life observational data of clinical experience of nabiximols in contrast to formal clinical trials of effectiveness. METHODS: This was an observational, prospective, multicenter, non-interventional study with a follow-up period of 3-4 months, conducted in routine care setting in Germany. Patients with moderate to severe MSS were included at nabiximols' initiation. Structured documentation forms, questionnaires and validated instruments were used for data collection at inclusion, 1 and 3 months after inclusion. RESULTS: Overall, 335 patients were assessed of whom 276 fitted the criteria and were included in the effectiveness analysis. After 1 month, nabiximols provided relief of resistant MSS in 74.6% of patients according to specialist assessment; mean spasticity 0-10 numerical rating scale (NRS) score decreased from 6.1 ± 1.8 to 5.2 ± 2.0 points; in patients with NRS improvement ≥20% mean NRS score decreased by 40%. After 3 months, 55.3% of patients had continued to use nabiximols and the mean NRS score had decreased by 25% from baseline. 17% of patients reported adverse events. CONCLUSION: Real-life data confirm nabiximols as an effective and well-tolerated treatment option for resistant MSS in clinical practice.
BACKGROUND:Nabiximols (Sativex®), a cannabinoid-based oromucosal spray, is an add-on therapy for patients with moderate to severe multiple sclerosis spasticity (MSS) resistant to other medications. The primary objective was to provide real-life observational data of clinical experience of nabiximols in contrast to formal clinical trials of effectiveness. METHODS: This was an observational, prospective, multicenter, non-interventional study with a follow-up period of 3-4 months, conducted in routine care setting in Germany. Patients with moderate to severe MSS were included at nabiximols' initiation. Structured documentation forms, questionnaires and validated instruments were used for data collection at inclusion, 1 and 3 months after inclusion. RESULTS: Overall, 335 patients were assessed of whom 276 fitted the criteria and were included in the effectiveness analysis. After 1 month, nabiximols provided relief of resistant MSS in 74.6% of patients according to specialist assessment; mean spasticity 0-10 numerical rating scale (NRS) score decreased from 6.1 ± 1.8 to 5.2 ± 2.0 points; in patients with NRS improvement ≥20% mean NRS score decreased by 40%. After 3 months, 55.3% of patients had continued to use nabiximols and the mean NRS score had decreased by 25% from baseline. 17% of patients reported adverse events. CONCLUSION: Real-life data confirm nabiximols as an effective and well-tolerated treatment option for resistant MSS in clinical practice.
Authors: Antonio Carotenuto; Teresa Costabile; Mario De Lucia; Marcello Moccia; Fabrizia Falco; Martina Petruzzo; Marcello De Angelis; Cinzia Valeria Russo; Francesco Saccà; Roberta Lanzillo; Vincenzo Brescia Morra Journal: J Neurol Date: 2020-03-02 Impact factor: 4.849
Authors: Samuel Herzog; Marian Shanahan; Peter Grimison; Anh Tran; Nicole Wong; Nicholas Lintzeris; John Simes; Martin Stockler; Rachael L Morton Journal: Pharmacoeconomics Date: 2018-01 Impact factor: 4.981
Authors: G Coghe; M Pau; F Corona; J Frau; L Lorefice; G Fenu; G Spinicci; E Mamusa; L Musu; S Massole; R Massa; M G Marrosu; E Cocco Journal: J Neurol Date: 2015-08-05 Impact factor: 4.849