Vivus presents results of glucose-lowering investigational drug

NEW ORLEANS An investigational drug for treating lowered blood sugar levels in obese patients who had not developed diabetes, according to results of a phase 3 trial presented Saturday at the American Diabetes Association’s 69th annual scientific sessions.

Drug maker Vivus said the trial of the drug Qnexa showed that while Qnexa lowered blood sugar, patients taking placebo experienced higher blood sugar after 28 weeks of treatment.

“Obesity is the leading cause of Type 2 diabetes,” lead investigator and Weill-Cornell University clinical professor Louis Aronne said in a statement. “Studies have shown that Type 2 diabetes can be treated effectively in most patients with significant weight loss.”