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by Robert MacKay, Monday, 13 May 2013 | Categories: Lorcaserin

Lorcaserin, the new weight loss drug that has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and recently categorised by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) under the name of Belviq©, is not likely to be sold in Europe any time soon. This is due to the fact that Arena Pharmaceuticals has decided to withdraw the application made to the European Medicines Agency (EMA). The EMA seemed in fact reluctant to introduce the new weight loss pill in Europe and had recently asked for further detailed product information from the company, extending the process necessary to place the medication onto the European market. Clearly Arena was expecting a negative opinion and decided that a dignified withdrawal was preferable. This is very disappointing, given that lorcaserin is expected to soon be sold in the United States and has been thoroughly tested in clinical trials. However, the EMA has had a history of being reluctant to accept applications to market new weight loss medications. That was the case for Qsiva, Vivus’ obesity pill rejected in the last few months. Further information on this will be reported in due course. In the meantime, we await Swissmedic’s decision, Switzerland’s Agency for Therapeutic Products, which is expected in the summer.





 
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