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But a month ago, Vivus said that the FDA had pushed back its target date for a final decision on Qnexa from April 17 until July 17. The agency said it needed more time to consider a new drug safety plan submitted by Vivus. While patients and doctors are eager for new options to fight obesity, none of these drugs enable patients to magically shed pounds. Research showed that study subjects taking lorcaserin had modest weight loss, on average losing just 3.1 percent of starting body weight over a year. More than 37 percent of patients lost 5 percent of their weight or more, which is enough to meet FDA standards for effectiveness. By comparison, average weight loss with Qnexa was 11 percent, with more than 83 percent of patients losing 5 percent of their weight or more. Following announcement of the advisory panel vote, Arena said it had expanded its marketing and supply agreement with partner Eisai Inc., a large drugmaker based in Japan, beyond the United States. If lorcaserin ultimately is approved, Eisai will also handle exclusive marketing and distribution of the drug in most of North and South America. In trading Thursday before the decision was announced, Arena shares rose 24 cents, or 7 percent, to $3.66. Shares of Orexigen added 15 percent, or 50 cents, to $3.85 in late trading.
[Associated
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