Bayer and GW enter into 'pot' agreement

Published: 1-Jul-2003


Bayer has entered into an agreement with UK company GW Pharmaceuticals for the latter's cannabis-based medicinal extract product, to be marketed under the Sativex brandname. Bayer has obtained exclusive rights to market Sativex in the UK, as well as the option for a limited period to negotiate the marketing rights in other countries in the EU and selected other countries.

The product is a whole plant medicinal cannabis extract containing tetranabinex (tetrahydrocannabinol - THC) and nabidiolex (cannabidiol - CBD) as its principal components. The medicine is administered by means of a spray into the mouth and has been developed by GW for the treatment of Multiple Sclerosis and severe neuropathic pain.

Sativex and a THC medicine are also undergoing Phase III trials for the treatment of cancer pain, and if approved, Bayer will also market these medicines. The pain relief market is said to total £25m (€34.9m).

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