Three Diet Pharmaceutical Drugs Seeking Approval from FDA
Get instant savings up to 75%
Download the Free PrescriptionDrugs.com Discount Drug Card
Print Card
Redeem for instant savings up to 75% on name brand
& generic prescription drugs
Accepted at over 60,000 pharmacies nationwide
A slew of pharmaceutical drugs can be found on the market that help curb disturbing obesity trends. This is because obesity is a prevalent health issue, and there is enormous pressure to offer safe and effective weight loss prescription medicines. Currently under review with the FDA are three potentially effective diet drugs.
The FDA’s Review Track Record
Diet drug approval has had a turbulent history with the FDA. Fen-phen was pulled off the market in 1997 after the rx drug was linked to heart damage. Numerous other pharmaceutical drugs have gone through varying stages of approval -- only to be retracted or linked to dangerous side effects making the diet drugs harmful.
In order to gain FDA approval, a drug must be able to produce at least a 5% loss in body weight over a one year period with mild side effects.
What Pharmaceutical Drugs Are Currently Applying for Approval?
According to recent reports, two diet drugs applying for approval with the FDA are Qnexa and Contrave, which combine anti-convulsants with amphetamines, help suppress appetite and leaves patients feeling satiated. Qnexa had effective clinical trials, resulting in 13-15% weight loss overall, with memory and concentration side effects. Contrave proved slightly less effective, producing a 5-10% overall weight loss, with nausea side effects.
The third and final drug prescription currently under review is a revolutionary drug that affects serotonin levels, the brain chemical associated with signaling satiation. Serotonin levels are believed to affect overeating. The third drug, produced by Arena Pharmaceuticals, produced only a 5% overall weight loss through the manipulation of serotonin levels. However, it represents a new avenue for treating weight loss with rx drugs, with future potential for development.
As the quest to control obesity from sociological, psychological and medical angles continues, medical researchers are continuing to develop pharmaceutical drugs aimed at regulating biological functions that regulate food intake.
