فاس نيوز ميديا جريدة الكترونية جهوية تعنى بشؤون و أخبار جهة فاس مكناس – متجددة على مدار الساعة
In a historic step for the pharmaceutical industry in Morocco, Pharma 5 laboratories announced the development of the first local medicine containing cannabidiol (CBD), a non-psychoactive compound extracted from the cannabis plant. This innovative drug, designed to treat epilepsy, marks a milestone in the country’s medical and agricultural sectors.
The new drug, registered under the name “Cannabidiol Pharma 5,” aims to provide relief to approximately 400,000 Moroccans suffering from epilepsy, including 100,000 children. It has been developed as a generic version of the original drug “Epidiolex” produced by British laboratories, specifically targeting patients with treatment-resistant epilepsy.
Key features of this drug include:
- 100% Moroccan production: All production stages, from seed cultivation to final product manufacturing, are carried out within Morocco.
- Significant investment: Pharma 5 invested 250 million dirhams in this project, with 25% allocated to research and development.
- THC-free formulation: The drug contains locally extracted cannabidiol and is free of THC, the psychoactive compound in cannabis.
- Targeting specific conditions: The treatment primarily focuses on treating Lennox-Gastaut syndrome and Dravet syndrome, two rare and severe forms of epilepsy.
The drug is expected to be distributed in the first half of 2025 and will only be available by prescription from neurologists. It is also anticipated to be covered by health insurance after the price is determined by the Directorate of Medicines and Pharmacy.
This development represents a significant advancement in Morocco’s pharmaceutical capabilities and aligns with the country’s vision to exploit its cannabis resources for medical and economic benefits. The project highlights Morocco’s commitment to promoting innovation in healthcare while adhering to international quality standards.
As Morocco positions itself at the forefront of medical cannabis research and production, this new drug may pave the way for further developments in cannabis-based medicines. The successes of this initiative could open horizons for exploring other medical applications of cannabis, contributing to improved patient care and national economic growth.
Source: Fes News
