Pharma 5 launches Morocco's first cannabis-based medicine

Pharma 5, one of Morocco's leading pharmaceutical companies, has just announced the upcoming launch of the first cannabis-based therapeutic drug of the country.

This product, a generic version of the’Epidiolex, is specifically designed to treat the’refractory epilepsy and is expected to be distributed during the first half of 2025.

Refractory epilepsy is a serious neurological disorder that affects nearly 100,000 Moroccans, a subset of the estimated 400,000 patients with epilepsy in the country. Conventional treatments fail to effectively manage this condition in approximately 25% of patients, leading to frequent and disabling seizures.

A fully integrated value chain

One of the key features of the Pharma 5 initiative is its value chain complete, 100% (Moroccan), which encompasses everything from cultivation to production.

According to Mia Lahlou Filali, CEO of Pharma 5, in an interview with le360, the company has developed a process that meets the most stringent international standards. The raw material for the medication comes from cannabis plants grown in the Chaouen region of Morocco, based on partnerships with three cooperatives, involving about 50 farmers who were trained and mentored by Pharma 5 teams.

«This is one of the few examples of full vertical integration, where every stage of the process—from growing the seeds to producing the finished drug—is carried out in Morocco,» notes Abdelmoumen Mahly, director of innovation and R&D at Pharma 5.

The company has invested 250 million dirhams (25 million euros) in this project, allocating 25% of that budget to research and development.

Therapeutic Benefits and Accessibility

The new drug, tentatively named Cannabidiol Pharma 5, uses CBD (cannabidiol) extracted locally. Clinical studies have demonstrated the’The Effectiveness of CBD in the Treatment of Epilepsy severe, significantly reducing the frequency and severity of attacks.

Affordability and accessibility are key elements of Pharma 5's strategy. The price of the medication is expected to be 50% lower that of his European counterpart, which currently costs about 1,500 euros per box—enough for one month of treatment. In addition, the Moroccan government has assured that the medication will be covered by social security and insurance providers, making it more accessible to patients who need it.

Pharma 5 recognizes the stigma associated with cannabis and has taken proactive steps to address it. Since the project’s launch in 2022, the company has organized six training sessions for healthcare professionals, including doctors, pharmacists, and paramedical staff. These sessions aim to educate stakeholders on the therapeutic potential of cannabis and ensure its proper integration into medical practice.

This initiative is also part of Morocco’s broader goal of capitalizing on its long-standing association with cannabis culture for develop a modern medical cannabis industry.

«Cannabis is a traditional Moroccan resource, and today, thanks to an appropriate legal framework, we can harness its potential for the well-being of patients and the country’s economic development,» said Mr. Filali.

Future Outlook

Pharma 5's success is not limited to refractory epilepsy. The company plans to expand its product line to include treatments for conditions such as migraines and menstrual cramps, by leveraging the versatility of cannabis-based therapies.

In addition, the laboratory aims to export its products to middle-income countries and regions where similar drugs are not yet patented, thereby strengthening Morocco’s position as a leader in innovation therapeutic applications of cannabis.

Since the patent for Epidiolex’s active ingredient is set to expire in 2027, Pharma 5’s early entry into this market gives it a competitive advantage. The company’s integrated approach and its commitment to high-quality production could enable Morocco to become a key player in the global medical cannabis market.