The Pharmaceutical Journal
Vol 268 No 7203 p861-867
22 June 2002

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Electronic dispensing of methadone goes on trial

A research programme to test the use of an electronic dispensing system for administering methadone or diamorphine to drug misusers is to start next month. The research is being undertaken by the National Addiction Centre, at the Institute of Psychiatry, King's College London.

The new dispensing system, which has been developed by GW Pharmaceuticals, enables drugs to be administered using an electronic, hand-held device that can be programmed according to a dosing regimen specified by the prescriber. The device is tamper-proof and has been designed for use with Controlled Drugs. A cartridge, containing the drug, attaches to the device, and can be used to dispense vapour or tablet formulations. The device also allows compliance to be monitored.

A spokesman for GW Pharmaceuticals said that the company expects the system to be available in drug addiction centres throughout the United Kingdom in three years' time. It also expects that both the cartridge and the device will be available on National Health Service prescription.

He added that trials are being carried out for use of the system with cannabis. It is expected that multiple sclerosis patients will be the first to use the device outside a trial.