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Disease-Modifying Symptomatic Treatment (DMST) Potential of Cannabinoids in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis
Antonio Bruno1, Pietro Annovazzi2, Marinella Clerico3
1Neurology Unit, IRCCS Neuromed, Pozzilli (IS), Italy.
Current Neuropharmacology
|September 16, 2024
Summary
Nabiximols, a cannabinoid treatment, effectively manages multiple sclerosis (MS) spasticity and related symptoms. Emerging research suggests it may also offer disease-modifying benefits by reducing inflammation and protecting neurons in MS patients.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
- Immunology
Background:
- Multiple sclerosis (MS) management has shifted from relapse prevention to addressing disease progression and residual symptoms.
- Nabiximols, a cannabinoid-based medicine, is approved for treating MS-related spasticity.
- The concept of spasticity plus syndrome (SPS) recognizes symptom clusters in MS where cannabinoids may be beneficial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the potential of nabiximols beyond symptomatic relief in multiple sclerosis.
- To evaluate the anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects of cannabinoid system modulation.
- To introduce the concept of disease modifying symptomatic treatment (DMST) for MS.
Main Methods:
- Review of pre-clinical and clinical research on cannabinoid system modulation in MS.
- Analysis of nabiximols' effects on spasticity, pain, bladder dysfunction, sleep, and mood disorders.
- Examination of anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective mechanisms.
Main Results:
- Nabiximols effectively treats MS-related spasticity and associated symptoms within the SPS concept.
- Cannabinoid system modulation demonstrates significant anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties.
- Evidence supports nabiximols' potential role in MS disease control.
Conclusions:
- Nabiximols offers a promising therapeutic option for managing multiple sclerosis symptoms.
- The anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects suggest a potential disease-modifying role.
- Nabiximols could be classified as a disease modifying symptomatic treatment (DMST).
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