Concerns Over GW Pharma's Epilepsy Drug-On-Drug Interactions Might Be Overblown

Shares of GW Pharmaceuticals plc GWPH sold off Tuesday after the release of an abstract presented at the American Epilepsy Society meeting. The abstract showed evidence of interaction between GW Pharma's lead anti-epilepsy treatment, Epidiolex, and several other anti-epilepsy drugs.

Once the Street digested the contents of the abstract, some were concerned that drug-on-drug interaction could be an early indicator of the potential for side effects. GW Pharma shares dipped and eventually closed down 5.5 percent at $114.88.

This reaction was likely misplaced.

GW Pharma's VP of Investor Relations Stephen Schultz explained to Benzinga that drug-drug interactions are commonplace, and no adverse reaction or efficacy issues have been observed in Epidiolex studies where drug interactions occur.

In fact, Epidiolex has shown improved efficacy performance when interacting with clobazam, one of the interactive drugs listed in the abstract, though Epidiolex looks to provide efficacy in combination with clobozam or on its own.

Shares of GW Pharmaceuticals traded higher Wednesday at $115.95.