The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Contrave, the new weight-loss drug created by Orexigen Therapeutics Inc.

Orexigen CEO Michael Narachi has not been shy about saying that he is extremely confident that once the approval pushes through, there will be a huge clamor for the drug.

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The said drug will be marketed by Takeda Pharmaceutical of Japan.

In the FDA's interest in battling obesity, this is the third time in two years that the federal health organization has approved weight loss medication. The other drugs that obtained approval are Osymia and Belviq.

Contrave, which aims to curb appetite, is a combination of two drugs, namely naltrexone and bupropion.

Naltrexone on its own is usually used to treat alcohol and drug dependence, while bupropion is an antidepressant used to treat mood disorder and to curb one's urge to smoke.

According to the FDA, Contrave is an effective treatment for obese and overweight individuals, as well as the weight-related health issues they suffer from such as diabetes. However, since the drug only curbs appetite, it does not promise massive weight loss.

Jean-Marc Guettier from the FDA stated, "Obesity continues to be a major public health concern. When used as directed in combination with a healthy lifestyle that includes a reduced-calorie diet and exercise, Contrave provides another treatment option."

The FDA warned, however, that diet pills may lead to depression, an increase in blood pressure and palpitations. The group recommends that anyone should take the medication under the guidance of a physician.

Due to the side effects of anti-obesity drugs in the past, the FDA has required the makers of Contrave, Qsymia and Belviq to further study the effects of the drugs, particularly when it comes to the heart. 

Currently, the combination bupropion/naltrexone drug is awaiting approval for distribution in Europe.