Phase II Weight Loss Drug Better Than Phen/Fen
Subjects experienced significant weight loss and few side effects using new compound synthesized from two existing medications.
(PRWEB) September 19, 2006 -- For the first time since starting publication, "Obesity Meds and Research News" has something to smile about. This month the magazine is reporting the phase IIb results of a compound that actually works better than phen/fen. Phentermine and fenfluramine (phen/fen), when taken together, were the most successful weight loss medications ever, until fenfluramine was taken of the market in 1997. None of the new medications approved so far, and none in late stage clinical trials, has been as successful . . . until now.
So what's different now? The success of phen/fen has sparked a few innovative pharmaceutical companies to begin experimenting with existing medications and combining them into a single dose formulations for the treatment of obesity. Doing this provides several benefits over simply prescribing two medications off-label. First, primary care physicians are more likely to prescribe a single agent, already approved for long-term use. Second, with the safety and efficacy already established in one- and two-year trials, it is unlikely that the public will see the type of rare, but severe, adverse events as seen with phen/fen. Third, these compounds are being developed for once-a-day use, which makes compliance -- and successful weight loss -- more likely. Fourth, since the compound is approved for the long-term treatment of obesity, insurance company formularies are more likely to cover them.
On-line today the site has detailed results of a phase II trial on one of these combination therapies. And the good part is that it produces significantly more weight loss than phen/fen, remains useful for weight loss over multiple years, can maintain patients at goal weight in a reduced maintenance dose, and has almost no side-effects.
"Obesity Meds and Research News" is a subscriber-supported advertisement-free newsletter with the latest information on obesity medications, weight loss and diet studies written for professionals and patients. In addition to the monthly newsletter, OMR maintains an investigational drug database, and features two subscriber bonuses, Obesity 101, a primer on obesity basics, and OMR Obesity Update, a monthly literature overview. The OMR pages contain in-depth information on medications coming out within the next few years and others in earlier stages of development.
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