Qnexa, an anti-obesity drug, which is being developed by Vivus Inc. showed success in reducing incidences of sleep b 69%. The company filed for regulatory approval of the drug last week. The drug in its present form, is a mixture of low doses of phentermine and topiramate. As per the company, the 28-week long study – which was carried out on 45 obese patients – showed lowered instances of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
The patients administered with the drug showed a 10.2% reduction in body weight and improvements in blood pressure and overnight blood oxygen levels were also reported by the company. Known side effects like dry mouth, sinus infection and taste alterations were also reported from the study by the company.
Sleep apnea, which is related to obesity, high blood pressure, heart problems, is considered to be affecting 18 mn Americans as per the data estimates of The National Sleep Foundation. Currently, there are no pharmaceutical treatments for the disease and only surgical treatments are present.
Commenting on the development, company’s CEO, Leland Wilson said, “We also look forward to meeting with the FDA to discuss the results of this study and to determine the regulatory path for approval.”