The weight-loss pill made by Arena Pharmaceuticals passed a major milestone by being featured in the "New England Journal of Medicine."
The journal, which is widely read by doctors, published the results of the clinical trials for Lorcaserin, a weight loss drug made by Arena. Dr. Ken Fujioka said the "New England Journal of Medicine" publishes good and bad data, but in this case the results were generally good.
"Safety is always a big concern for weight-loss drugs," said Fujioka. "And with this study, that's what it showed: safety."
Fujioka said that in the study, the twice-a-day pill helped people lose 5 percent of their body weight when combined with diet and exercise. While other drugs in similar trials helped people lose more weight -- as much as 10 percent of body weight -- Fujioka said that safety concerns are too great.
On Thursday, the diet pill Qnexa was rejected by a Food and Drug Administration panel over concerns about side-effects like depression, memory loss and potential birth defects. But Fujioka said Arena's weight-loss drug should succeed.
"Arena's drug looks like it will get approved," Fukioka said. "It's one that we call clean; it's safe. Maybe the weight loss isn't quite as good, but I'll take that when I get good safety."
Lorcaserin stimulates serotonin receptors in the brain, giving the person a feeling of being full. If approved, Lorcaserin will be available by prescription to those who are 45-50 pounds overweight or to those who have diabetes or high-blood pressure and are 30-40 pounds overweight. Fujioka said the drug will likely be taken over time.
Health
Duane Roth, CEO of Connect, a non-profit group that encourages growth for San Diego science and technology companies, said he's hopeful the FDA panel will approve the drug.
"This is what they existed for," Roth said. "And this product will be their first major product for market."
Roth said an approval would continue to show San Diego's strength in the area of drug development. But the drug will also help in the larger fight against a national problem.
"Drugs are being developed -- not only by Arena but by other companies -- and so the more we do that, the more we start to impact on really serious disease epidemics," said Roth.
Shares of Arena Pharmaceuticals soared 33 percent at one point in Thursday trading but closed with a loss of 8 percent. Shares fell sharply after the FDA rejection of Qnexa.
