Anti-obesity Fixed-dose Combinations
Anti-obesity Fixed-dose Combinations
Just as other chronic conditions such as hypertension, dyslipidaemia and diabetes are now recognised to require combination therapy to produce added efficacy at dosages that are less likely to cause side effects, this approach is being explored for the treatment of obesity. To simplify administration several FDCs that combine two differently acting weight lowering agents are advanced in development. The withdrawal of previous anti-obesity medications such as phentermine and sibutramine has set a high precedent for the benefit-risk of weight lowering treatments, particularly in the areas of abuse potential and cardiovascular risk. The new agents and FDCs therefore have to meet high standards.
Conclusion
Just as other chronic conditions such as hypertension, dyslipidaemia and diabetes are now recognised to require combination therapy to produce added efficacy at dosages that are less likely to cause side effects, this approach is being explored for the treatment of obesity. To simplify administration several FDCs that combine two differently acting weight lowering agents are advanced in development. The withdrawal of previous anti-obesity medications such as phentermine and sibutramine has set a high precedent for the benefit-risk of weight lowering treatments, particularly in the areas of abuse potential and cardiovascular risk. The new agents and FDCs therefore have to meet high standards.
