New diet pill works, safety issues seen

Washington, December 4, 2010

Orexigen Therapeutics’ data shows its experimental diet pill appears effective in helping some patients lose weight, although some safety issues are still a concern, US reviewers said.

Results from company trials found that at least 35 per cent of patients given the drug, called Contrave, lost at least 5 per cent of their weight, US Food and Drug Administration staff said in documents released ahead of a Tuesday meeting to consider the pill.

FDA staff also noted several areas of safety concern, including the drug's effect on heart risks, seizures and psychiatric effects such as suicidal behavior. – Reuters

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