Evidence-based management of multiple sclerosis spasticity with nabiximols oromucosal spray in clinical practice: a 10-year recap

Neurodegener Dis Manag. 2022 Jun;12(3):141-154. doi: 10.2217/nmt-2022-0002. Epub 2022 Apr 4.

Abstract

Effective symptomatic management of multiple sclerosis (MS) spasticity remains an unmet need for many patients. The second-line option nabiximols is the most widely investigated of the noninvasive antispasticity medications in this patient population. Clinical evidence accumulated with nabiximols since it was first approved in Europe in 2010 suggests that about 40% of initial responders (i.e., those with ≥20% improvement in their baseline 0-10 Numerical Rating Scale score) may expect to achieve clinically meaningful (≥30% Numerical Rating Scale response) and durable symptomatic improvement in MS spasticity. During 10 years' routine use of nabiximols, no new safety signals have emerged. Nabiximols-associated improvement in MS spasticity-related symptoms such as pain and sleep disruption suggests a need to track possible therapeutic effects beyond muscle tone control.

Keywords: multiple sclerosis spasticity; nabiximols; real-world evidence; spasticity-plus syndrome.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Cannabidiol* / therapeutic use
  • Dronabinol / therapeutic use
  • Drug Combinations
  • Humans
  • Multiple Sclerosis* / complications
  • Multiple Sclerosis* / drug therapy
  • Muscle Spasticity / drug therapy
  • Muscle Spasticity / etiology

Substances

  • Drug Combinations
  • Cannabidiol
  • Dronabinol
  • nabiximols