Diet FDA Weight Loss Pill Disapproved

By: Kara Gilmour
07/19/2010 07:17 AM ET

FDA weight loss pill Qnexa has been denied. The Qnexa diet pill that would help people with weight loss and obesity has not been approved by the FDA. Federal health experts were concerned with side effects for the diet weight loss pill.

The FDA’s Endocrinologic and Metabolic Drugs Advisory Committee reviewed Qnexa on July 15, 2010. The committee voted 10-6 against recommending approval. They found that the drug helps patients lose pounds, with most reporting more than 10 percent weight loss.

However, the weight loss benefits were outweighed by many safety concerns. These safety concerns include memory lapses, suicidal thoughts, heart palpitations and birth defects. “Some of these side effects are serious and could be life-threatening and must be weighed against a relatively modest weight loss,” stated the panel’s chair, Kenneth Burman of the Washington Hospital Center.

The FDA will take the Committee’s recommendation into consideration during its review of the Qnexa and will make a determination. The target date for their review to be complete is October 28, 2010. Additionally, Qnexa is in phase 2 clinical development for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

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