New weight loss drug
July 3, 2012
THE US Food and Drug
Administration has approved its
first new weight loss drug since
1999, with the debut of Belviq
(lorcaserin hydrochloride).
Belviq is indicated for chronic
weight management, as an addition
to a reduced calorie diet and
exercise.
It’s approved for use in adults
with a body mass index (BMI) of 30
or greater, or those with a BMI of
27 or greater and who have at least
one weight-related condition such
as high blood pressure, type 2
diabetes or high cholesterol.
The drug works by activating the
serotonin 2C receptor in the brain,
which may help a person eat less
and feel full after eating smaller
amounts of food.
In clinical trials including nearly
8000 obese and overweight
patients treated over 1-2 years
along with lifestyle modification
including reduce calorie diets and
exercise counselling, treatment
with Belviq for up to one year was
associated with weigh loss ranging
on average from 3 to 3.7%.
47% of patients without type 2
diabetes lost at least 5% of their
body weight, compared with about
23% of patients who were treated
with placebo.
The above article was sent to subscribers in Pharmacy Daily's issue from 03 Jul 12To see the full newsletter, see the embedded issue below or CLICK HERE to download Pharmacy Daily from 03 Jul 12
