Lorcaserin

Lorcaserin

Lorcaserin is a weight-loss drug developed by Arena Pharmaceuticals. It was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the United States in 2012. Lorcaserin is used in conjunction with diet and exercise to treat obesity. It works by controlling appetite — specifically by activating brain receptors for serotonin, a neurotransmitter that triggers feelings of satiety and satisfaction.

History

Lorcaserin was developed by Arena Pharmaceuticals, a biopharmaceutical company based in San Diego, California. The drug was approved by the FDA in June 2012 for adults with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 or greater, which is considered obese, or adults with a BMI of 27 or greater (overweight) who have at least one weight-related condition such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, or high cholesterol.

Mechanism of Action

Lorcaserin is a selective 5-HT2C receptor agonist, and in vitro, it is shown to act on these 5-HT2C receptors in the brain. The exact mechanism of action is not known, but it is believed to involve activation of these receptors in the pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) system. Activation of these receptors in the POMC system is associated with satiety and decreased food consumption.

Side Effects

Common side effects of lorcaserin include headache, dizziness, fatigue, nausea, dry mouth, and constipation. In some cases, lorcaserin can cause serious side effects, such as serotonin syndrome, particularly when taken with certain medicines that increase serotonin levels or activate serotonin receptors.

Withdrawal from Market

In February 2020, the FDA requested the withdrawal of lorcaserin from the market because a safety clinical trial showed an increased occurrence of cancer. The FDA advised patients to stop taking lorcaserin and talk to their health care professionals about alternative weight-loss medicines and weight management programs.

See Also

• Obesity
• Serotonin
• 5-HT2C receptor
• Arena Pharmaceuticals