Sanofi-Aventis Response To BMJ Article On Obesity Drugs Achieving Modest Weight Loss

Main Category: Obesity / Weight Loss / Fitness
Also Included In: Pharma Industry / Biotech Industry
Article Date: 19 Nov 2007 - 11:00 PDT

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The British Medical Journal recently published an article stating that most obesity drugs achieve 'modest' weight loss. Below is the response from Sanofi-Aventis.

"We welcome new research that benefits patients, however this latest paper published by BMJ online is an analysis of previously published data and fails to add new information to our understanding of weight management pharmacotherapy in general.

Although the article describes the weight loss achieved by currently licensed products as "modest", it does recognise that "even modest amounts of weight loss (5-10%) are beneficial, particularly in patients at risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes" compared with those taking placebo.

Weight loss of only as much as 5-10% has been shown to be associated with a 20% reduction in mortality due to all causes, 30% in diabetes related deaths, 40% reduction in obesity related cancer deaths and 50% reduction in the risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes.

British Medical Journal (BMJ) article

http://en.sanofi-aventis.com

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