Aptar Pharma supplies mouth spray for Sativex

Drug delivery device specialist Aptar Pharma has worked with GW Pharmaceuticals to develop the mouth spray device that allows Sativex (Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and Cannabidiol (CBD), a medicine derived from cannabis, to be delivered to multiple sclerosis (MS) patients suffering from muscle spasticity.

Aptar says the administration of Sativex by oromucosal spray (sprayed into the mouth either onto the inside of the cheek or under the tongue) provides patients with a flexible dosing regime, which is particularly appropriate given the variable nature of both spasticity and MS from patient to patient.

The drug has recently been approved in Germany and Denmark for the relief of spasticity associated with MS. Market launches in Sweden and Italy will follow.

Sativex has also been launched in the UK, Spain and Canada. Almirall markets the drug in Europe (excluding the UK). Bayer Healthcare handles marketing in the UK and Canada.

Aptar Pharma says systemic drug delivery via the oro-mucusal route has a number of advantages due to fast onset of action and reduced dose as a result of high bioavailability for well formulated selected compounds. After being sprayed into the buccal cavity and absorbed by the mucosa, the medication enters the vascular system directly, allowing the active ingredients to take effect rapidly while minimising side effects.

For Sativex, GW Pharmaceuticals selected Aptar Pharma’s VP7 spray pump fitted with a specific buccal actuator of ergonomic design that is comfortable to use.