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Phentermine and Topiramate Extended Release (Qsymia™)

First Global Approval

Drugs volume 72, pages 2033–2042 (2012)Cite this article

Abstract

Vivus’ proprietary oral capsule containing phentermine and extended-release (ER) topiramate has been approved in the US for the treatment of obesity. Phentermine is an appetite suppressant, while topiramate is an antiepileptic medication. The once-daily formulation, known as Qsymia™, is designed to produce weight loss by decreasing appetite and increasing satiety. The product is also in clinical development for sleep apnoea syndrome and type 2 diabetes mellitus. This article summarizes the milestones in the development of phentermine/topiramate ER leading to this first approval for obesity.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Adis R&D Insight, Springer Healthcare, 41 Centorian Drive, Private Bag 65901, Mairangi Bay, North Shore 0754, Auckland, New Zealand

    Fiona Cameron & Glenn Whiteside

  2. Adis, Auckland, New Zealand

    Kate McKeage

Authors
  1. Fiona Cameron
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  2. Glenn Whiteside
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  3. Kate McKeage
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Correspondence to Glenn Whiteside.

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Cameron, F., Whiteside, G. & McKeage, K. Phentermine and Topiramate Extended Release (Qsymia™). Drugs 72, 2033–2042 (2012). https://doi.org/10.2165/11640860-000000000-00000

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.2165/11640860-000000000-00000

Keywords

  • Topiramate
  • Extended Release
  • Phentermine
  • Oral Cleft
  • Extended Release Formulation