The New York Times reports that a federal advisory panel was divided this week over whether to recommend banning a weight-loss drug made by Abbott Laboratories, even though a majority agreed that the drug’s heart risk cast a shadow on its future use. Excerpt:
Eight of the 16 members of the Food and Drug Administration’s panel of outside advisers urged withdrawing the drug, Meridia, saying the potential for heart attacks and stroke outweighed any benefits of minor weight loss. Six urged restricted sales and strong “black box” warning, while two others said the warning and patient monitoring were enough.
The move places the fate of Meridia, which is expected to generate $30 million in domestic sales this year, with the F.D.A., which will weigh the panel’s advice when making a final decision.
