A phase II trial ( funded by Neurosearch, a pharmaceutical company in Denmark and other sources) in which 203 obese patients were randomised to receive three different daily doses of tesofensine ( a new diet drug) or placebo pills found that those who received tesofensine lost more weight than those received placebo.
Dieting patients on the highest doses lost up to 12.8kg (28.2lbs) in six months, roughly twice the level achieved by best weight loss drugs already used in Europe. However, side effects have been experienced by these patients.
Critics said more trials are needed and the efficacy and safety of the drug need confirmation in larger phrase III trials. ( Note: The maker of tesofensine, Neurosearch, is seeking approval for the drug in the US and Europe).
Source: Astrup A, Madsbad S, Breum L, et al. Effect of tesofensine on bodyweight loss, body composition, and quality of life in obese patients: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. The Lancet. Early Online Publication, 23 October
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