Obesity drug Venespri (Belviq) approved in Mexico

Japanese pharma major Eisai (TYO: 4523) has received regulatory approval to commercialize the obesity drug Venespri (lorcaserin HCI) in Mexico.

The drug, which is also known as Belviq, is now approved in Mexico as an adjunct to a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity for chronic weight management in adult patients with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 kg/m2 or greater, so are classed as obese.

Patients in the overweight category with a BMI of 27 kg/m2 or greater, but who have at least one weight-related medical condition such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or type 2 diabetes, are also eligible to be treated.