Effects on Spasticity and Neuropathic Pain of an Oral Formulation of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol in Patients WithProgressive Multiple Sclerosis.

Purpose: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy of an oral formulation of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (ECP002A) in patients with progressive multiple sclerosis (MS).

Methods: This accelerated proof-of-concept study consisted of 2 phases: a crossover challenge (dose-finding) phase and a 4-week, parallel, randomized, placebo-controlled treatment phase. Twenty-four patients with progressive MS and moderate spasticity were enrolled.

Population pharmacokinetic model of THC integrates oral, intravenous, and pulmonary dosing and characterizes short- and long-term pharmacokinetics.

Δ(9)-Tetrahydrocannobinol (THC), the main psychoactive compound of Cannabis, is known to have a long terminal half-life. However, this characteristic is often ignored in pharmacokinetic (PK) studies of THC, which may affect the accuracy of predictions in different pharmacologic areas. For therapeutic use for example, it is important to accurately describe the terminal phase of THC to describe accumulation of the drug.

Novel Δ(9) -tetrahydrocannabinol formulation Namisol® has beneficial pharmacokinetics and promising pharmacodynamic effects.

What Is Already Known About This Subject: • Cannabis based medicines are registered as a treatment for various indications, such as pain and spasms in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients, and anorexia and nausea in patients with HIV or receiving cancer treatment. • the pharmacokinetics of the various administration routes of cannabis and cannabis based medicines are variable and dosing is hard to regulate.

What This Study Adds: • Namisol is a new tablet containing pure THC (>98%) that has a beneficial pharmacokinetic profile after oral administration.

An ultrasensitive young interferometer handheld sensor for rapid virus detection.

Future viral outbreaks are a major threat to societal and economic development throughout the world. A rapid, sensitive and easy-to-use test for viral infections is essential to prevent and control such viral pandemics. Furthermore, a compact, portable device is potentially very useful in remote or developing regions without easy access to sophisticated laboratory facilities.

Fast, ultrasensitive virus detection using a Young interferometer sensor.

We report the application of an integrated optical Young interferometer sensor for ultrasensitive, real-time, direct detection of viruses. We have validated the sensor by detecting herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), but the principle is generally applicable. Detection of HSV-1 virus particles was performed by applying the virus sample onto a sensor surface coated with a specific antibody against HSV-1.