Emerging drugs for the treatment of obesity. (2nd January 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Martinussen, Christoffer; Bojsen-Moller, Kirstine Nyvold; Svane, Maria Saur; Dejgaard, Thomas Fremming; Madsbad, Sten
• Is Part Of: Expert opinion on emerging drugs. Volume 22:Number 1(2017:Mar.)
• Page Start: 87
• Page End: 99
• Publication Date: 2017-01-02
• Subjects: Energy homeostasis -- weight loss -- antiobesity drugs -- appetite inhibition; Drugs -- Research -- Handbooks, manuals, etc; Drugs -- Design -- Periodicals; 615.1072
• DOI: 10.1080/14728214.2017.1269744
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1472-8214

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Introduction : The increasing prevalence of obesity represents a huge threat to public health and the current pharmacological treatment options are limited. Bariatric surgery is by far the most effective treatment for severe obesity, highlighting the urgent need for new and improved drug therapies. Areas covered : Based on the physiological regulation of energy homeostasis, pharmacological strategies to treat obesity are evaluated with focus on drugs in phase 2 and 3 clinical development. The potential impact of these drugs on current treatment standards and the barriers for development are discussed and set in a historical perspective of previous antiobesity medications. Expert opinion : The radical effects of bariatric surgery have extended our understanding of the mechanisms controlling appetite and boosted the search for new drug targets in obesity treatment. Accordingly, several compounds targeting the central nervous system and/or periphery are in pipeline for obesity. These drugs should be evaluated over a wide array of end-points; in particular, long-term safety monitoring is necessary as serious adverse events may appear. Combination therapy targeting more than one pathway controlling energy balance might be necessary to achieve substantial weight loss while minimising side effects.