FDA Approves Marijuana-Based Drug for Seizures

The first prescription drug made from marijuana has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Epidiolex is a strawberry-flavored syrup indicated for the treatment of two rare forms of epilepsy in patients 2 years and older. The syrup is a purified form of cannabidiol (CBD), a chemical ingredient in the cannabis plant that does not get users high. Treatment was approved based on studies of more than 500 children and adults with hard-to-treat seizures. According to FDA, the drug reduced seizures when combined with older epilepsy drugs. “This approval serves as a reminder that sound development programs that properly evaluate active ingredients contained in marijuana can lead to important medical therapies,” said FDA Chief Scott Gottlieb.

Manufactured by GW Pharmaceuticals, Epidiolex is expected to launch in the fall. FDA has previously approved synthetic versions of another cannabis ingredient for medicine use, including severe weight loss in patients with HIV.