The FDA has approved Syndros, a liquid formulation of cannabinoid dronabinol, which is a pharmaceutical version of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), commonly known as the mind-altering ingredient in marijuana.

Syndros is the first and only dronabinol med that’s an orally administered liquid formulation. It is approved for use by people living with AIDS to treat anorexia associated with weight loss and by people undergoing cancer chemotherapy to treat nausea and vomiting if they aren’t responding to other methods, according to a press release by Insys Therapeutics, the drug’s maker.

“[Syndros] is a liquid that is easy-to-swallow and allows for the dosage to be titrated to clinical effect. Once Syndros has been opened, it does not need to be refrigerated for 28 days,” said John Kapoor, president and CEO of Insys, in the press release. “We believe that these product features coupled with patient support services will prove to be important differentiators for patients and prescribers and will be key drivers of a successful market launch and sustained growth. We expect that Syndros’ attractive profile will enable rapid market conversion and expansion, making for a significant long-term commercial opportunity for Insys.”

Syndros has not yet been scheduled by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration; Insys expects to launch the drug before 2017.

For related topics, read the POZ articles “Up in Smoke: The future of medical marijuana for HIV/AIDS looks hazy” and “Marinol (Synthetic THC) Decreases Mortality and Viral Load?” and search the POZ archives here.