Campbell, Calif., March 10, 2025 – VIVUS LLC, a leading biopharmaceutical company focused on developing innovative therapies for unmet medical needs, has announced the official launch of QSYMIA® (phentermine and topiramate extended-release capsules) in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This expansion marks the drug’s first introduction in the Middle East and is set to provide new treatment options for individuals struggling with obesity, a growing public health crisis in the region.
A Strategic Move to Address Obesity in the UAE
The launch of QSYMIA in the UAE is part of a strategic collaboration between VIVUS and PharmaAccess, the company’s commercial partner for the Middle East North Africa (MENA) region. PharmaAccess is responsible for ensuring the effective distribution and accessibility of QSYMIA in the UAE, while Alphamed Drug Store has been appointed as the exclusive distributor.
John Amos, Chief Executive Officer at VIVUS LLC, emphasized the significance of this launch in addressing the global obesity epidemic. “With the availability of QSYMIA in the UAE, we are not only expanding treatment access but also reaffirming our commitment to advancing patient care on a global scale. Obesity is a complex disease that requires multiple approaches, and QSYMIA provides an important pharmacological option for those who need help managing their weight.”
The UAE government has been actively working towards reducing obesity rates through national health programs and awareness campaigns. However, the increasing prevalence of obesity necessitates advanced medical interventions like QSYMIA to complement lifestyle modifications such as diet and exercise.
The Obesity Challenge in the UAE
Obesity has been recognized as a major health concern in the UAE. According to recent reports, nearly 30% of adults in the country are classified as obese, with a significant number of children and adolescents also affected. The World Obesity Federation estimates that by 2035, approximately 7.5 million adults, children, and adolescents in the UAE will be overweight or living with obesity.
This alarming trend not only impacts the health and well-being of individuals but also places a significant burden on the nation’s healthcare system and economy. Obesity is a major risk factor for chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and hypertension, which are prevalent in the UAE.
Dr. Santosh T. Varghese, President of VIVUS Global Pharmaceutical Development and Chief Medical Officer at VIVUS LLC, highlighted the urgency of addressing this health crisis: “The launch of QSYMIA in the UAE presents an opportunity to provide healthcare professionals and patients with a scientifically-backed weight management solution. By providing access to QSYMIA, we hope to help individuals combat obesity, improve their overall health outcomes, and reduce the economic strain associated with obesity-related diseases.”
Understanding QSYMIA: A Dual-Action Weight Management Therapy
QSYMIA is a prescription weight-loss medication that combines two active ingredients: phentermine and extended-release topiramate. This unique combination targets two key aspects of weight management:
- Phentermine: A stimulant that helps suppress appetite, reducing overall calorie intake.
- Topiramate (extended-release): Traditionally used as an anti-seizure and migraine medication, topiramate promotes a feeling of fullness and alters taste perception, discouraging overeating.
By addressing both appetite suppression and increased satiety, QSYMIA supports long-term weight management when used alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. The medication is intended for adults and adolescents (aged 12 and older) who are classified as overweight or obese and have at least one weight-related medical condition, such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, or high cholesterol.
Clinical Efficacy and Safety Profile
Clinical trials have demonstrated that QSYMIA, when combined with lifestyle modifications, leads to significant weight loss in both adults and adolescents. In one study, patients who took QSYMIA lost an average of 10% of their body weight over one year, compared to those who received a placebo.
The FDA has approved QSYMIA for long-term weight management, making it a viable option for individuals who struggle to lose weight through diet and exercise alone. The drug’s safety profile has been carefully evaluated, with clinical data supporting its efficacy and tolerability. Common side effects include dry mouth, dizziness, and changes in taste sensation, while rare but serious side effects may include mood changes or increased heart rate.
Recently, the FDA approved a labeling update for QSYMIA, removing previous restrictions related to body mass index (BMI) requirements and certain cardiovascular warnings. This update was made in response to growing clinical evidence demonstrating QSYMIA’s safety and effectiveness in a broader patient population.
Expanding Global Access to QSYMIA
Obesity is a growing global epidemic, with forecasts predicting that over one billion individuals worldwide will be affected by 2030. Recognizing this urgent need, VIVUS has been expanding the availability of QSYMIA beyond the United States.
In addition to the UAE, the medication has been introduced in several European countries under the trade name QSIVA®. VIVUS is also working towards expanding access in other regions where obesity rates are on the rise. The company aims to make QSYMIA available to over one billion individuals worldwide by the end of 2025.
John Amos reaffirmed VIVUS’s commitment to global health: “As we expand our reach, our goal remains the same: to provide effective, science-based solutions for weight management. QSYMIA is a valuable tool in the fight against obesity, and we are dedicated to ensuring that patients around the world have access to this treatment.”
A Step Forward in Combating Obesity
The launch of QSYMIA in the UAE marks a major milestone in the fight against obesity. With its dual-action mechanism, strong clinical support, and approval for long-term use, QSYMIA offers healthcare providers and patients an effective solution for weight management.
As obesity rates continue to climb, the need for medical interventions like QSYMIA becomes increasingly urgent. By combining lifestyle changes with scientifically proven treatments, individuals struggling with weight management can have a better chance at achieving sustainable health improvements.
For more information on QSYMIA, healthcare professionals and patients can visit VIVUS’s official website or consult medical practitioners about treatment options.
About VIVUS
VIVUS LLC is a biopharmaceutical company committed to developing and commercializing innovative therapies that address serious health conditions. The company specializes in weight management, sexual health, and other chronic diseases, striving to improve the quality of life for patients worldwide.
About PharmaAccess
PharmaAccess partners with pharmaceutical and biotech companies to bring innovative medical solutions to the GCC region. Through its integrated approach, PharmaAccess helps expand the reach of life-changing therapies and supports healthcare professionals in delivering effective treatment options.
About Alphamed Drug Store
Alphamed Drug Store is a trusted distributor of pharmaceutical products in the UAE, ensuring that essential medications, including QSYMIA, are accessible to healthcare providers and patients throughout the country.
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