FDA approves Belviq to treat some overweight or obese adults

[mlr52]

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today approved Belviq (lorcaserin hydrochloride), as an addition to a reduced-calorie diet and exercise, for chronic weight management.

The drug is approved for use in adults with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or greater (obese), or adults with a BMI of 27 or greater (overweight) and who have at least one weight-related condition such as high blood pressure (hypertension), type 2 diabetes, or high cholesterol (dyslipidemia).

BMI, which measures body fat based on an individual’s weight and height, is used to define the obesity and overweight categories. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than one-third of adults in the United States are obese.

http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm309993.htm

Chances of this working as intended?

How long to wait to know the side effects, not tested for?

[Jenett]

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today approved Belviq (lorcaserin hydrochloride), as an addition to a reduced-calorie diet and exercise, for chronic weight management.

 
Two things leap out at me.

First, 3-3.7 percent loss over two years is not exactly awesome results. (ok, 3-3.7 over placebo, but the placebo results aren't exactly great either.)

And I'd really want to see long-term studies of efficacy (i.e. where people are in five years) before thinking it's actually particularly successful.

In other words, I like the fact they're clear that it's a short term (1-2 years if someone has initial weight loss that suggests it's helping solve a serotonin receptor issue) drug. But I'm highly suspicious of anything without long-term graphs.

The fact it works on the same receptors as fen-phen did (which also act in the heart) should also make one cautious, though at least the FDA appears to be requiring sensible post-approval testing.

[mlr52]

though at least the FDA appears to be requiring sensible post-approval testing.

 
For the FDA isn't that close to being an oxymoron?

[Jenett]

For the FDA isn't that close to being an oxymoron?

 
Well, arguably. I wouldn't trust the current results with my body, and I'd want to look really carefully at the end results first. But at least they're asking for post-approval testing, instead of ignoring the prospect.