Pharmacokinetic evaluation of nabiximols for the treatment of multiple sclerosis pain.
Abstract
INTRODUCTION:
Pain
associated with multiple sclerosis (MS) is frequent, and frequently not
alleviated by currently available drugs. Nabiximols is a combination of
two plant cannabinoids administered via an oromucosal pump spray and
approved in Canada for the treatment of intractable central neuropathic pain due to MS and intractable cancer pain. Nabiximols exerts its analgesic effects through its interaction with the endocannabinoid system to modulate pain transmission via pain networks.
AREAS COVERED:
This
review examines the characteristics of nabiximols, its pharmacokinetic
properties and data on efficacy and tolerability in MS-related neuropathic pain. The authors, furthermore, provide information on the pharmacology and clinical data of nabiximols as neuropathic analgesic in MS.
EXPERT OPINION:
Nabiximols is an appropriate therapy for pain
patients who tend to be particularly resistant to pharmacological
interventions. Its action depends on not only the local constellation of
the endocannabinoid system signalling, but also the particular
functional status of pain pathways and on the specific mechanism of neuropathic pain.
It is therefore justifiable that further studies are initiated which
aim to define the best responder profile and which explore the full
potential of nabiximols in MS-related pain.
No comments:
Post a Comment