CAMPBELL, Calif., Oct. 07, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- VIVUS, Inc. (Nasdaq: VVUS) (the “Company”), a biopharmaceutical company, announced today that European regulatory agencies in Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Poland (the “Concerned Member States”) have accepted the Marketing Authorization Application (the “MAA”) for Qsymia (phentermine and topiramate extended-release) on a decentralized basis, with Sweden acting as the lead Concerned Member State, also known as the Reference Member State, for purposes of assessing the MAA. Under the decentralized MAA procedure, the regulatory authorities in each of the Concerned Member States may simultaneously provide Marketing Authorization for use of a product within those specific countries.

“With the growing body of real world evidence supporting the safety and efficacy of Qsymia and its recent approval in the Republic of Korea, we believe that there is growing recognition of the benefit that this therapy can provide to patients seeking to achieve and maintain a healthy body mass index,” said John Amos, Chief Executive Officer of VIVUS. “As we gain traction in capturing a growing share of the market for weight management therapies in the United States, we continue to work with international regulators and current or potential commercial partners to expand Qsymia into additional countries. We believe that Qsymia has an important role to play in addressing the growing challenge of obesity in the United States, Europe, and other markets.”

Based on the decentralized MAA procedure timelines, the Company anticipates the completion of the MAA assessment and, if approved, Marketing Authorizations to begin in the second half of 2020.

About Qsymia

Qsymia is approved in the United States and is indicated as an adjunct to a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity for chronic weight management in adults with an initial body mass index (BMI) of 30 kg/m2 or greater (obese) or 27 kg/m2 or greater (overweight) in the presence of at least one weight-related medical condition such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, or high cholesterol.

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 and over-the-counter drugs, and herbal preparations, have not been established.

Important Safety Information

Qsymia (phentermine and topiramate extended-release) capsules CIV is contraindicated in pregnancy; in patients with glaucoma; in hyperthyroidism; in patients receiving treatment or within 14 days following treatment with monoamine oxidase inhibitors; or in patients with hypersensitivity to sympathomimetic amines, topiramate, or any of the inactive ingredients in Qsymia.

Qsymia can cause fetal harm. Females of reproductive potential should have a negative pregnancy test before treatment and monthly thereafter and use effective contraception consistently during Qsymia therapy. If a patient becomes pregnant while taking Qsymia, treatment should be discontinued immediately, and the patient should be informed of the potential hazard to the fetus.

The most commonly observed side effects in controlled clinical studies, 5% or greater and at least 1.5 times placebo, include paraesthesia, dizziness, dysgeusia, insomnia, constipation, and dry mouth.

About VIVUS

VIVUS is a biopharmaceutical company committed to the development and commercialization of innovative therapies that focus on advancing treatments for patients with serious unmet medical needs. For more information, please visit www.vivus.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements in this press release are forward-looking within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors, including risks and uncertainties related to our ability to execute on our business strategy to enhance long-term stockholder value; risks and uncertainties related to our expected future revenues, operations and expenditures; risks and uncertainties related to our dialog with certain concerned member states in Europe relating to the pending decentralized Marketing Authorization Application, the timing and scope of the assessment by such Concerned Member State health authorities of our Marketing Authorization Application, and ultimately the decision of such Concerned Member State health authorities whether to grant Marketing Authorization for Qsymia in such EU countries; risks and uncertainties related to our, or our current or potential partners’, ability to successfully seek and gain approval for Qsymia in territories outside the U.S.; risks and uncertainties related to our, or our current or potential partners’, ability to successfully commercialize Qsymia; and risks and uncertainties related to our ability to sell through the Qsymia retail pharmacy network and the Qsymia Advantage Program. These risks and uncertainties could cause actual results to differ materially from those referred to in these forward-looking statements. The reader is cautioned not to rely on these forward-looking statements. Investors should read the risk factors set forth in VIVUS’ Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018 as filed on February 26, 2019, and periodic reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. VIVUS does not undertake an obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements.


 VIVUS, Inc.
Mark Oki   
Chief Financial Officer
oki@vivus.com   
650-934-5200
  Investor Relations: Lazar FINN Partners
David Carey
Senior Partner
david.carey@finnpartners.com 
212-867-1768
 

              

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