Cannabinoids in multiple sclerosis (CAMS) study: safety and efficacy data for 12 months follow up

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Pharmacology
• Clinical Trials

Background:

• Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic neurological condition.
• Muscle spasticity is a common and debilitating symptom in MS.
• Cannabinoids are being investigated for their therapeutic potential in MS symptom management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the long-term effectiveness and safety of cannabinoids in patients with MS.
• To assess the impact of cannabinoids on muscle spasticity and disability in MS.
• To follow up on findings from the main Cannabinoids in Multiple Sclerosis (CAMS) study.

Main Methods:

• A follow-up study involving 630 patients with stable MS and muscle spasticity.
• Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled design with oral Delta(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol (Delta(9)-THC) or cannabis extract for up to 12 months.
• Primary outcome: change in Ashworth spasticity scale; secondary outcomes included mobility, disability, and quality of life measures.

Main Results:

• A small but statistically significant treatment effect on muscle spasticity was observed with Delta(9)-THC.
• Suggestive evidence indicated Delta(9)-THC had positive effects on certain aspects of disability.
• No major safety concerns were identified, and patients generally reported perceived benefits.

Conclusions:

• Limited evidence supports a longer-term treatment effect of cannabinoids for MS symptoms.
• Further long-term, placebo-controlled studies are warranted to establish the role of cannabinoids beyond symptom relief in MS.
• Cannabinoids may offer a therapeutic option for managing spasticity and disability in multiple sclerosis.