Statement Re: NHS

RNS Number:6147R
GW Pharmaceuticals PLC
18 February 2002


For Immediate Release                                        18 February 2002



                             GW Pharmaceuticals plc
                             ("GW or "the Company")


         GW Welcomes Possible NHS Provision of Cannabis Based Medicines


GW Pharmaceuticals plc, the pharmaceutical company developing a portfolio of
non-smoked cannabis-based prescription medicines, has welcomed the Government's
statement that it will ask the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE)
to examine the possible provision of the Company's medicines by the National
Health Service.


Dr Geoffrey Guy, Executive Chairman of GW, commented, "This is a positive move
by the Government. Recommendation by NICE would further smooth the way for our
cannabis-based medicines to be available nationwide to NHS patients on
prescription, if our current trials are successful."


GW is now conducting Phase III clinical trials of cannabis-based medicines for
the treatment of Multiple Sclerosis, Cancer Pain and other forms of nerve pain,
with the aim of preparing data for Product Licence Approval.  The cannabis-based
medicines are being administered by means of a sublingual (under-the-tongue)
spray. In the event of a Licence being granted, the Home Secretary has already
indicated that the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 will be amended to allow the
prescribing of  cannabis-based medicines.


GW expects to bring its first prescription medicines to market in early 2004.
This will allow sufferers of MS, Cancer Pain, Spinal Cord Injury, Rheumatoid
Arthritis and other neurological disorders to experience the medical benefits of
cannabis without unwanted psychoactive side effects, and without the health
dangers associated with smoking.




                                    - Ends -




Enquiries:


GW Pharmaceuticals plc                                          01980 557 000
Dr Geoffrey Guy, Executive Chairman
Justin Gover, Managing Director



Weber Shandwick Square Mile                                     020 7950 2800
Kevin Smith/Graham Herring








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