Orexigen’s weight loss drug Contrave, is next up on the chopping block but it might experience more mercy than the recent spurt of weight loss treatments that were refused approval this year. Contrave has proved successful in trials and it is hoped that this will be recognised as effective and safe by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration).
It will be announced on January 31st whether or not the drug will be approved. Until then we will have to analyse the reactions of the panel following the meeting this coming December 3rd. With Qnexa and Lorcaserin out of the picture for the tine being and since the voluntary withdrawal of Sibutramine from the market, it is not expected that another weight loss drug will make it across the finish line.
The ingredients that make Contrave include bupropion, used in the treating of depression and as a smoking cessation aid and naltrexone (used for alcohol and drug addiction therapy), are both used widely and the efficacy of these drugs is rarely in question. Considering this and the success of the Contrave trials in terms of weight loss, there is still hope.
Cardiovascular related illnesses and side effects have been a hot topic this year regarding weight loss treatment and the bupropion ingredient in Contrave has been known to speed up heart rate and increase blood pressure. Orexigen discussed in reports that blood pressure decreases when weight is lost so the overall effect is beneficial. There was a slight increase of heart rate so this would need to be monitored during treatment.
It is up to the panel for now to sway the decision of the FDA this January. We will report the panel’s feedback as soon as news comes in.