A Weight Loss Drug Without Overall Increased Cardiovascular Events

But a numerical excess in valvulopathy indicates the need for longer-term studies of safety.

Lorcaserin is a selective serotonin 2C receptor agonist that modulates appetite and that has been demonstrated to facilitate modest long-term weight loss. Because other weight loss medications with similar mechanisms (e.g., fenfluramine) have had serious cardiovascular adverse effects, such as pulmonary hypertension and valvular abnormalities, proving the cardiovascular safety of lorcaserin is essential. Researchers examined the question in the manufacturer-funded CAMELLIA-TIMI 61 trial (NCT02019264), in which 12,000 obese or overweight patients with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease or multiple risk factors were randomized to lorcaserin (10 mg twice daily) or placebo.

At a median follow-up of 3.3 years, the primary efficacy outcome (a …

Reviewing Author

Karol E. Watson, MD, PhD, FACC

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardBoehringer Ingelheim; Amgen; Novartis; Lilly; Amarin

Speaker’s BureauBoehringer Ingelheim

Grant/Research SupportNIH

Editorial BoardsCirculation (Associate Editor)