US health experts give nod to new obesity drug

An advisory panel to the US Food and Drug Administration on Wednesday urged approval of a new obesity drug, Qnexa, after warning against its approval in 2010 due to safety concerns.

The panel voted 20-2 that the FDA should allow Qnexa on the market, saying the latest overall benefit-risk assessment supported its approval.

The drug, made by California-based biotech firm Vivus, is the first obesity drug submitted to the FDA in more than a decade.

Qnexa combines two existing drugs, the appetite suppressant phentermine and topiramate, an anti-convulsant that can be used in conjunction with other drugs for weight loss.

The FDA does not have to follow the advice of the advisory panel, though it usually does. A final decision is expected by April 17.