DENVER, July 17, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The American Society of Bariatric Physicians (ASBP) and the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) applaud the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) for approving Qsymia, a new obesity treatment medication developed by Vivus, Inc.
Qsymia combines low doses of two agents approved by the FDA, phentermine and topiramate, in a controlled-release formulation.
"Today's decision by the FDA marks the second time that the agency has approved a new obesity treatment drug within the last 30 days," said ASBP Executive Director Laurie Traetow. "Clearly, the tide is turning in our efforts to address the rising obesity epidemic in our country. Obesity medicine specialists are excited about the FDA adding another tool to the obesity treatment toolbox, which for so many years had been virtually barren in the pharmacotherapy area."
"Patients and their health care providers need a variety of obesity treatments, given the prevalence, severity and chronicity of the disease," said ASMBS Access to Care Committee Chair Dr. John Morton. "Too often treatment avenues that address obesity have been assessed differently than treatments for other diseases. The FDA's decision today continues a welcome, new trend towards parity for the millions of Americans with obesity who seek access to safe evidence-based treatment."
ASBP and ASMBS appreciate the careful and thoughtful process taken by the FDA during the past 12 months while evaluating three new obesity treatment drug applications. The two medical societies also are pleased by the FDA's approach in considering the expertise of several obesity medicine physicians, including ASBP member Dr. Ed Hendricks, during the review of these new obesity treatment medications.
About ASBP
Founded in 1950, ASBP (www.asbp.org) is the oldest medical association dedicated to the treatment of obesity and associated diseases. ASBP is a collaborative organization that provides its members practical information and business tools to implement a successful medical bariatric practice.
The American Society of Bariatric Physicians logo is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=13687
About ASMBS
Established in 1983, ASMBS (www.asmbs.org) is the largest society in the world dedicated to metabolic and bariatric surgery. The vision of ASMBS is to improve public health and well being by lessening the burden of the disease of obesity and related diseases throughout the world.
The American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery logo is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=13688
Note to the Editor
Interview requests to speak either with individual physician members of ASBP or ASMBS or the ASBP executive director may be sent directly to Heidi Gordon.
