GSK launches Alli in Europe
pharmafile | April 22, 2009 | News story | Sales and Marketing |Â Â Alli, Europe, GSKÂ
GSK has launched Alli, making it the first clinically proven over-the-counter weight loss aid to be available in pharmacies across the UK and Europe.
Pharmacists are charged with restricting its sale to suitable customers only, and in the UK – where it is a category 'p' product, it will cost around £50 for a monthly course.
The company is supporting the launch with a multi-million pound investment in pharmacy training, consumer marketing and a behavioural support programme.
For consumers there will be access to an online Alli weight-loss programme, which provides tools and support to help them follow a sensible diet and become more active, encouraging sustainable weight loss.
Manfred Scheske, president GSK Consumer Healthcare Europe, said: "Alli offers adults a real opportunity for losing weight. Alli has been well received by millions of people in the US and we are very excited about the number of people it could help across Europe achieve their goal to lose weight."
Alli (orlistat 60mg) is a lower-dose version of Roche's prescription drug Xenical, which has been available for more than 10 years. GSK received a non-prescription European licence for the drug in January, marking the first time the Commission has approved a non-prescription product for weight loss.
Alli and Xeniccal contain the same active ingredient, which acts locally within the digestive system to prevent absorption of fat. It does this by allowing fat to quickly pass straight through the body, prompting some unpleasant side effects in people who take the drug but contain to over-eat.
The drug is indicated for use in adults with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 28 or more on a reduced calorie, lower-fat diet.
It was launched in the US in June 2007 and it is now the seventh-largest OTC brand in the country.
Clinical trials data shows that Alli, when used in conjunction with a reduced calorie, lower-fat diet, can help people lose 50% more weight than by dieting alone.
But critics have said the drug's new OTC status could send the wrong message to the public.
Professor Gareth Williams of the University of Bristol said it will help a certain number of people who are overweight, but he is concerned people could see it as an easy solution to obesity.
He told the BBC that the problem should be dealt with through healthy eating and exercise: "Most of these people need a life-style transplant, rather than reaching for something off the shelf in the pharmacy."
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