Dieters frequently look to pills to attack the fat as a quick and easy alternative to the old standbys – diet and exercise.
With U.S. obesity rates at 35 percent of the population, and showing no sign of slowing, investors are pinning their hopes on a new blockbuster drug as a trio of weight loss medications are being revealed this week. But if the past is any indication, dieters should have their antenna up concerning any miracle weight loss formulations.
The drugs have all been seen before in different combinations. Based on an Associated Press story, Vivus Inc.’s pill, Qnexa, will receive an FDA review July 12, Monday. A public hearing will follow to review data. Arena Pharmaceuticals Inc.’s, lorcaserin, is planning to have an FDA review and approval in September, while Orexigen Therapeutics Inc.’s Contrave will be the subject of a December panel.
According to FDA guidelines, the drugs need to reduce total body weight by at least five percent after one year.
Fen-Phen
Let’s not forget the all too distant past. Wyeth’s diet pill-drug combination, fen-phen, was recalled in 1997 after it was found to be linked to heart-valve damage and lung problems. The drugs had been seen before but not in that combination. Diet drug, fenfluramine, was half of the fen-phen combination. The other drug, phentermine never received FDA approval.
Acomplia
In 2008, Acomplia, made by Sanofi-Aventis was discontinued because of a suspected link to psychiatric side effects, depression, and suicidal thoughts.
Meridia
Meridia, made by Abbott Labs, was pulled from the market in Europe over the suspected links to heart attack risks.
Alli
Alli works by limiting the amount of fat the body can absorb. It is still on the market, but in May, the FDA warned about the prescription drug in Alli, Xenical, and its link to liver damage.
Are we about to see a repeat of the past?
Qnexa combines an amphetamine with an anticonvulsant. Contrave mixes an antidepressant with an anti-addiction drug. Lorcaserin acts on serotonin receptors.
While investors are anxious, dieters should be anxious and wary. We’ve seen this before as St. Augustine product liability lawyers and have tried to help receive compensation for individuals permanently injured from diet drugs and several other types of pharmaceuticals. Ultimately it is the consumer who is the final clinical trial participant, sometimes to their own permanent detriment.
