Eisai to market and distribute Belviq weight management therapy in US

Eisai has announced the availability of Belviq (lorcaserin HCl) CIV tablets in the US, which is designed for chronic weight management in adults who are overweight with a comorbidity or obesity.

Indicated for people with body mass index (BMI) of 30kg/m2 or more, or BMI of 27kg/m2 or more and coupled with a minimum of one weight-related medical condition such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or type 2 diabetes, the FDA approved drug is to be used as an adjunct to reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.

Eisai president and chief executive officer Lonnel Coats said, “Eisai is committed to making BELVIQ available to appropriate patients as part of our human health care corporate mission of keeping patients’ medical needs at the forefront of all that we do.”

A federally controlled substance (CIV), Belviq will be manufactured by Arena Pharmaceuticals in Switzerland.

The Scripps Clinic weight management director of the center Ken Fujioka said, “BELVIQ provides appropriate patients with a new treatment option that along with diet and exercise can help them lose weight and keep the weight off.”