Lorcaserin,
the new weight loss drug that has been approved by the US Food and Drug
Administration (FDA) and recently categorised by the Drug Enforcement
Administration (DEA) under the name of Belviq©, is not likely to be sold in
Europe any time soon. This is due to the fact that Arena Pharmaceuticals has decided
to withdraw the application made to the European Medicines Agency (EMA). The
EMA seemed in fact reluctant to introduce the new weight loss pill in Europe
and had recently asked for further detailed product information from the company,
extending the process necessary to place the medication onto the European
market. Clearly Arena was expecting a negative opinion and decided that a dignified withdrawal was preferable. This is very disappointing, given that lorcaserin is expected to soon
be sold in the United States and has been thoroughly tested in clinical trials.
However, the EMA has had a history of being reluctant to accept applications to
market new weight loss medications. That was the case for Qsiva, Vivus’ obesity pill rejected
in the last few months. Further information on this will be reported in due
course. In the meantime, we await Swissmedic’s decision, Switzerland’s Agency
for Therapeutic Products, which is expected in the summer.