Anti-Obesity Drug Contrave Gains FDA Advisory Approval

Orexigen Therapeutics has had their weight loss drug Contrave passed by the FDA Advisory Board. 

Orexigen achieved a major milestone for the two out of three Americans who are overweight or obese. There has not been a new weight loss medication introduced in the last 10 years leaving Xenical as the main weight loss aid. and several drugs that were on the market have been withdrawn due to safety concerns. Two other drug makers submitted NDA applications for anti-obesity treatments earlier this year, but the same advisory panel that approved Contrave rejected their applications because of side effect concerns. The difficulties faced by others in gaining approval further demonstrate the significance of this achievement. 

Contrave combines the anti-craving drug naltrexone with the antidepressant bupropion in a single tablet. The combination boosts metabolism while curbing appetite and cravings.