Sativex Shows Promise for Multiple Sclerosis Spasticity in Clinical Trials | Research

The takeaway

Clinical evidence from randomized controlled trials showed that Sativex (a THC/CBD spray) reduced spasticity symptoms in multiple sclerosis patients and improved their ability to perform daily activities.

Read this if you have MS-related spasticity and want to understand the evidence for cannabinoid-based treatments.

Sativex is a 1:1 THC/CBD mixture approved for MS spasticity in multiple countries

What the researchers found

The review examined accumulating clinical evidence for Sativex, an oromucosal spray containing equal parts THC and cannabidiol. Results from randomized controlled trials showed that patients with MS-related spasticity experienced reductions in symptom severity after using Sativex.

Beyond symptom scores, patients reported improved ability to perform daily activities. Both patients and their caregivers perceived meaningful improvements in functional status. The review noted that MS-related spasticity is one of the most disabling symptoms and that existing monotherapies often fail to provide adequate control.

Why it matters

Spasticity affects a large proportion of MS patients and significantly reduces quality of life. The review highlighted that many patients require multiple medications and still achieve poor symptom control, making the positive results with Sativex particularly relevant for this underserved population.

The numbers in context

Sativex is a 1:1 mixture of THC and CBD. A Spanish survey found that multidrug therapy and low control rates were common in MS spasticity management. RCT results showed reduction in spasticity severity and improved daily functioning.

How the study worked

Narrative review of clinical trial data and a Spanish survey on current MS spasticity treatment practices. The review synthesized evidence from randomized controlled trials of Sativex in MS-related spasticity.

What this study cannot tell us

This is a narrative review rather than a systematic review, so the selection of studies may reflect author judgment rather than comprehensive literature searching. Long-term efficacy and safety data were limited at the time of publication.

How to read the evidence

Narrative review synthesizing multiple RCTs; provides moderate evidence for efficacy.

When this study was published

Published in 2012. Sativex has since gained additional approvals and longer-term safety data has accumulated.

The bigger picture

This review contributed to the evidence base that led to Sativex being approved in multiple countries for MS-related spasticity. It represents one of the more successful translations of cannabinoid research into approved clinical use.

Questions still open

How does Sativex compare head-to-head with existing spasticity medications? What is the long-term safety profile with continued use? Which MS patients benefit most from cannabinoid-based treatment?

Common questions

What is Sativex?

Sativex is a prescription mouth spray containing equal amounts of THC and CBD derived from cannabis plants. It is sprayed inside the cheek and is approved in several countries for treating spasticity associated with multiple sclerosis.

Why is MS spasticity so difficult to treat?

MS spasticity involves involuntary muscle stiffness and spasms caused by nerve damage. Many existing medications provide only partial relief and often come with side effects like sedation. A Spanish survey found that even with multiple medications, many patients had poor symptom control.

Read the original research

Clinical efficacy and effectiveness of Sativex, a combined cannabinoid medicine, in multiple sclerosis-related spasticity.

Expert review of neurotherapeutics, 12(4 Suppl), 3-8

View on PubMed ↗Publisher’s paper ↗

Citation

Oreja-Guevara, Celia. (2012). Clinical efficacy and effectiveness of Sativex, a combined cannabinoid medicine, in multiple sclerosis-related spasticity.. Expert review of neurotherapeutics, 12(4 Suppl), 3-8. https://doi.org/10.1586/ern.12.11