A new anti-obesity drug on the horizon?

Česká verzia

Authors: L. Stárka; V. Hainer
Authors place of work: Ředitel: doc. MUDr. Vojtěch Hainer, CSc. ; Endokrinologický ústav, Praha
Published in the journal: Prakt. Lék. 2009; 89(3): 131-133
Category: Of different specialties

Summary

There are only a limited number of drugs currently available for the long-term treatment of obesity. Several anti-obesity drugs have been withdrawn from the market because of side effects. Potential side effects should be carefully considered particularly in drugs that affect monoaminergic pathways in the central nervous system (CNS). A new drug for pharmacotherapeutic intervention in obesity appeared last year. Tesofensine is a norepinephrine, dopamine, and serotonin reuptake inhibitor. It was initially researched as a potential drug for the treatment of Parkinson’s or Alzheimer’s disease. A weight loss effect was observed and a phase II clinical trial was conducted. Tesofensine produces a placebo-subtracted weight loss, which is similar to that of sibutramine, but with a smaller blood pressure increase. Weight loss with tesofensine is greater than that with other single drugs. The main side effect was an increase in pulse rate and a small rise in blood pressure at the highest dose. Nevertheless, to confirm the efficacy and safety of tesofensine with regard to its potential side effects in CNS, esp. those affecting mood, requires further long-term studies conducted in large cohorts of obese patients.

Key words:
obesity, antiobesity drugs, tesofensine, weight reduction, side effects.

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