FDA Approves Second Diet Drug in 2 Months

by Angela Nazworth | July 18, 2012 3:06 pm

Source: iStock

The U.S. Food & Drug Administration has already approved two weight-loss drugs this year. Qsymia, made by Vivus (NASDAQ:VVUS[4]), was approved Tuesday[5]. It follows last month’s approval of diet drug Belviq, produced by Arena Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ:ARNA[6]).

Qsymia has been approved for adults with a body mass index of 30 or greater. Adults with such high BMIs are  considered obese. The pill also is approved for overweight adults with a BMI of 27 or greater, if they have one at least one weight-related condition such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes or high cholesterol, the FDA says.

The new drug is intended to be used in conjunction with exercise and a reduced-calorie diet.

“Obesity threatens the overall well being of patients and is a major public health concern,” Dr. Janet Woodcock, director of the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation & Research said in a press release. “Qsymia, used responsibly in combination with a healthy lifestyle that includes a reduced-calorie diet and exercise, provides another treatment option for chronic weight management in Americans who are obese or are overweight and have at least one weight-related comorbid condition.”

Diet pills have been controversial for decades, and experts regularly caution individuals who want to lose weight to consult with a physician before starting any type of dieting regime.

In addition to approving Qsymia, the FDA approved a drug Monday that can help prevent HIV[7].

Endnotes:
  1. [Image]: https://investorplace.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/iStock_000019561433XSmall.jpg
  2. high-calorie foods: https://investorplace.com/2012/07/restaurant-chain-unveils-100-ground-bacon-burger/
  3. OMG diet: https://investorplace.com/2012/07/5-things-to-know-about-the-omg-diet-craze/
  4. VVUS: http://studio-5.financialcontent.com/investplace/quote?Symbol=VVUS
  5. was approved Tuesday: http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm312468.htm
  6. ARNA: http://studio-5.financialcontent.com/investplace/quote?Symbol=ARNA
  7. can help prevent HIV: https://investorplace.com/2012/07/fda-approves-first-pill-to-prevent-hiv/

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