US Health Experts Vote in Favor of Approving New Obesity Drug

An advisory panel of health experts to FDA urged approval of a new obesity drug - Qnexa. The panel voted 20-2 that the FDA should allow Qnexa on the market, saying the latest overall benefit-risk assessment supported its approval. The drug, made by California-based biotech firm Vivus, is the first obesity drug submitted to the FDA in more than a decade.

Qnexa combines two existing drugs, the appetite suppressant phentermine and topiramate, an anti-convulsant that can be used in conjunction with other drugs for weight loss.

The FDA does not have to follow the advice of the advisory panel, though it usually does. A final decision is expected by April 17.

Source-AFP