VIVUS has received market approval of QSYMIA (phentermine and topiramate extended-release capsules) CIV in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for treatment of overweight and obesity in adults and paediatric patients, age 12 and older. The UAE is the first country in the Middle East region to approve QSYMIA and have it available in market. This marks an important milestone for patients challenged by obesity and the physicians who treat them.
VIVUS, in collaboration with PharmaAccess, its marketing partner in the Middle East North African (MENA) region, intends to provide healthcare providers with more treatment options to combat this epidemic in line with the UAE vision to address obesity. Alphamed Drug Store is the exclusive distributor of QSYMIA in the UAE.
“VIVUS remains steadfast in its mission to tackle the obesity crisis head-on,” said John Amos, Chief Executive Officer at VIVUS. “With the availability of QSYMIA in the UAE, we’re not only expanding treatment access but also reaffirming our commitment to advancing patient care on a global scale. We are enthusiastic about our continued progress in combatting this urgent public health concern, making a meaningful impact in communities worldwide.”
The World Obesity Federation estimates that by 2035, approximately 7.5 million adults, children, and adolescents in the UAE will be overweight or living with obesity. This statistic underscores the severity of the obesity challenge in the UAE, revealing potential detrimental effects on the health of affected individuals and the nation’s economy, now and in the foreseeable future.
“By providing access to QSYMIA, the UAE can make a difference in the lives of those impacted by obesity, addressing the challenges of this multifaceted condition and mitigating its economic repercussions,” said Dr Santosh T Varghese, President VIVUS Global Pharmaceutical Development and Chief Medical Officer at VIVUS LLC. “At VIVUS, our mission is to provide patients worldwide with a sustainable path to lasting weight management. This milestone marks a significant step forward in advancing those efforts.”
VIVUS is also expanding access to QSYMIA to patients in multiple European countries, which will be sold under the trade name QSIVA (phentermine and topiramate modified-release). VIVUS plans to provide access to QSYMIA to over one billion individuals worldwide by the end of 2025.
QSYMIA is indicated in combination with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity to reduce excess body weight and maintain weight reduction long term in adults and paediatric patients aged 12 years and older with obesity, and in adults with overweight in the presence of at least one weight-related comorbid condition.
The effect of QSYMIA on cardiovascular morbidity and mortality has not been established. The safety and effectiveness of QSYMIA in combination with other products intended for weight loss, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter drugs, and herbal preparations, have not been established.
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