European drug agency approves cannabis-based medicine for severe forms of epilepsy

The European Medicines Agency (EMA) has approved the first cannabis based medicine to treat two rare and severe forms of childhood onset epilepsy, although hurdles remain before the drug becomes available on the NHS.

In August the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) published draft guidance saying that on the current evidence it could not recommend cannabidiol as an effective use of NHS resources.1 However, it said it was working with the manufacturer GW Pharmaceuticals to tackle the problems highlighted by its independent appraisal committee. The committee is to meet on 26 September to consider the comments received during the public consultation and further draft guidance will be given three …