FDA Approves New Weight Loss Drug, But Its Effectiveness and Cost Raise Concerns

As millions of Americans seek to lose weight in the new year, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved a new prescription weight loss drug, liraglutide, which is part of a new class of diabetes medicines that prompt the pancreas to make extra insulin after meals. The daily injectable drug, Saxenda, is specifically for weight loss in obese patients, and in overweight adults who have at least one weight-related problem. According to experts, liraglutide offers a novel way to complement the prescription of diet and exercise by increasing the feeling of fullness and suppressing appetite.

Key Takeaways:

• The FDA has approved a new prescription weight loss drug, liraglutide, specifically for weight loss in obese patients and overweight adults with weight-related problems.
• The drug, Saxenda, is part of a new class of diabetes medicines that prompt the pancreas to make extra insulin after meals.
• Liraglutide works in the digestive system and the brain to increase the feeling of fullness and suppress appetite, offering a novel way to complement the prescription of diet and exercise.
• According to Dr. Cherie L. Vaz, an endocrinologist at Temple University School of Medicine, approximately 80 million people suffer from obesity, and there is a need for effective treatments.
• Three diet drugs have been approved since 2012, but none has been a big seller due to their limited effectiveness and high cost.
• The medication has to be taken indefinitely, and most insurers will not pay for drugs prescribed specifically for weight loss.
• A spokesman for Novo Nordisk, the Danish pharmaceutical company behind Saxenda, has not yet set a price for the drug, but is in talks with insurers.

Statistics:

• Approximately 80 million people suffer from obesity, according to Dr. Cherie L. Vaz, an endocrinologist at Temple University School of Medicine.
• Since 2012, three diet drugs have been approved (Belviq, Qsymia, and Contrave), but none has been a big seller due to limited effectiveness and high cost.
• The FDA considers a drug effective if it enables a 5-per-cent weight loss, but for people 30 per cent over healthy weight, this effect may be a letdown.
• Most insurers will not pay for drugs prescribed specifically for weight loss.

Sources:

• The Philadelphia Inquirer, "New Prescription Weight Loss Drug Approved, But Cost and Effectiveness Raise Concerns" by Marie McCullough
• Novo Nordisk's U.S. headquarters in Princeton, N.J.
• Temple University School of Medicine
• Einstein Healthcare Network
• The FDA's approval of Saxenda