Eisai, Arena release BELVIQ XR weight-loss drug

Eisai Inc. and Arena Pharmaceuticals have released BELVIQ XR, a medication designed to help individuals lose weight and maintain their weight loss.

It is available as an extended-release tablet in 20 mg dosage.

"With more than 78 million adults who are obese in this country and obesity rates on the rise, there is an increased need for additional therapeutic options to help patients better manage their weight," Boston University professor of medicine Caroline Apovian said. "A once-daily, extended-release tablet provides a treatment regimen that may help patients meet their weight-loss goals."

BELVIQ XR is designed to be taken once per day in a 20 mg tablet and is absorbed by the body slowly throughout the day. It is extended-release and has been approved for adults on a reduced-calorie diet who partake in physical activity.

"We are pleased that BELVIQ XR is now available to patients and may provide them with a new option that can be used as part of their weight management armamentarium," Arena Pharmaceuticals President and CEO Amit Munshi said. "The launch of this new formulation is another example of Arena's success in supporting our collaborators."