GlaxoSmithKline diet drug has “marketing opportunities”

Orlistat, GlaxoSmithKline’s obesity drug originally developed by Roche as the prescription drug Xenical, has significant “marketing opportunities” according to one expert.

Britain’s largest pharmaceuticals company bought the rights from Roche in 2004 to market the drug over-the-counter, under the name Alli. Two weeks ago the FDA approved over-the-counter use of the drug, which prevents the body absorbing fat – though it can have side effects including diarrhoea and increased flatulence. Other possible side-effects observed were gall stones and kidney stones as the drug can cause increased levels of oxalate.

Steve Francesco of Francesco International, a pharmaceutical consultant business, told the New York Times: “There are a lot of marketing opportunities for this on the consumer side which aren’t available on the prescription side.”

He added that Glaxo paid a “fortune” for the rights to the drug and said that in light of the mixed fortunes of previous weight control products, over-the-counter orlistat could “hit a potential $500 million a year, then sink like a stone”.

Other obesity drugs on the market include Reductil (Meridia in the US), produced by Abbott Laboratories. Unlike orlistat, which physically reduces the level of fat absorbed by the body, Reductil is an appetite suppressant. Reports of possible sudden death, heart failure and renal failure for Reductil users are currently being investigated, although the FDA has not banned the drug despite a Senate investigation.

© Adfero Ltd