23 October 2014 - United Kingdom-based GW Pharmaceuticals' investigational product, Epidiolex (cannabidiol), has received orphan designation from the European Medicines Agency to treat Dravet syndrome, it was reported on Thursday.

The firm has also received fast track designation by the United States Food and Drug Administration for the product to treat Dravet syndrome and orphan designations in both Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome.

Presently, the company is working with paediatric epilepsy specialists across the United States and is to commence a complete clinical development programme for Epidiolex in the treatment of both Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. The first Phase II/III clinical trial is scheduled to commence in the coming weeks.