Pharma 5 launches Morocco's first generic medicine based on medical cannabis

Moroccan laboratory Pharma 5, specialized in the field of generic drug development and manufacturing, has announced the development of the first 100% Moroccan generic drug based on cannabidiol (CBD), a non-psychotropic substance derived from medical cannabis. This new anti-epileptic medication, designed to treat resistant epilepsy, marks a key step in the fight against this pathology.

The substance, a result of an investment of 250 million dirhams, is registered under the name CANNABIDIOL PHARMA5 and is positioned as the generic version of EPIDYOLEX, produced by British laboratories GW. Available at a much more affordable price, it meets the needs of patients suffering from severe forms of epilepsy, such as Lennox-Gastaut or Dravet syndrome, conditions that are often resistant to conventional treatments.

Epilepsy, which affects over 50 million people worldwide according to the WHO, remains a major health issue, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. In Morocco, around 400,000 people, or 1.1% of the population, suffer from epilepsy. However, treatment options for drug-resistant cases remain limited.

The production of this medicine is based on an entirely local supply chain, complying with GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) standards, from the cultivation of medical cannabis to the final formulation. This integration, made possible by the legalization of medical cannabis in Morocco, illustrates Pharma 5's commitment to making the most of the country's natural resources while guaranteeing high standards of quality, safety, and efficacy.

This innovative project is part of the national strategy aimed at pharmaceutical autonomy and equitable access to treatment. Developed in collaboration with the Agence nationale de réglementation des activités liées au cannabis, the Ministry of Health, and the Direction des Médicaments et de la Pharmacie, it testifies to the Moroccan pharmaceutical industry's ability to respond to global challenges.

«This innovation highlights the maturity of our industry and its agility in the face of regulatory changes», emphasizes Mia Lahlou-Filali, Managing Director of Pharma 5.