Weight Loss Drug Qnexa Reveals Additional Benefit in Clinical Trial

Qnexa, a drug currently undergoing testing for its ability to aid in weight loss, reduced the incidence of sleep apnea by 69 percent in those taking the medication as part of a small-scale trial.

The anti-obesity drug, developed by Vivus Inc., was examined in a 28-week phase II trial conducted on 45 obese patients suffering from sleep apnea.  When compared to patients given a placebo, those taking Qnexa in the trial experienced greater weight loss, reduced blood pressure, improved oxygen concentration and significantly less apnea events while sleeping.

Those suffering from sleep apnea typically experience several missed breaths, known as apnea events, while sleeping due to a blocked airway (obstructive sleep apnea) or the lack of proper signals sent to the brain to control breathing.

Sleep apnea is often linked to obesity, and the weight-loss experienced by the patients taking Qnexa in the trial may have been an important factor in alleviating the symptoms of sleep apnea that trial participants reported. Additional testing on Qnexa will be required as this link and the small-scale study on the medication are not sufficient to begin the regulatory application process.

Leland Wilson, CEO of Vivus, stated that the company looks forward to meeting with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to “discuss the results of this study and to determine the regulatory path for approval.”

Vivius hopes to receive regulatory approval of Qnexa to treat obesity, following the filing of a New Drug Application with the FDA at the end of 2009. The medication contains phentermine and topiramate which are believed to suppress appetite and promote satiety, or a feeling of fullness. In phase II and phase III clinical trials on the drug, Qnexa demonstrated significant weight loss results.