GW Pharmaceuticals, a biopharmaceutical company focused on discovering, developing and commercializing novel therapeutics from its proprietary cannabinoid product platform, has received regulatory approval for its prescription medicine Sativex in Switzerland.

A full marketing authorization has been granted by the Swissmedic authorities in the treatment of moderate to severe spasticity in Multiple Sclerosis (MS) patients who have not responded adequately to other anti-spasticity medications. Launch timing is dependent on completion of pricing and reimbursement procedures. Sativex will be commercialized in Switzerland by GW’s European partner, Almirall SA.

“This approval in Switzerland marks yet another regulatory success for Sativex, which is now approved in a total of 23 countries,” stated Justin Gover, chief executive officer of GW. “We now look forward to working with our partners, Almirall, towards this launch so as to enable MS patients in Switzerland to benefit from this important new treatment.”

Sativex is approved for use in the treatment of MS spasticity in 23 countries, including 17 countries in Europe. The medicine is currently available on prescription in the UK, Spain, Germany, Canada, Denmark, Norway, Israel, Austria, Poland, Sweden, Italy and Finland with launches currently in preparation for a further 8 European countries, as well as Australia, New Zealand and Kuwait.