Last year Ukmedix reported extensively on the plans from GlaxoSmithKline to get the full approval in the United States for a new version of Xenical the weight loss drug. The plan was to release a 'no prescription required' version of the orlistat drug that would be a with lower dose and thus be safer. The new drug to be called Alli would allow people to go to pharmacy and just buy the medicine without having to have a consultation with a doctor.

If approval goes ahead Alli will be the first time for the FDA to approve an over the counter weight loss medicine. However after the initial application to the FDA it appears very little has happened to move the process forward and 9 months later many people are asking questions about what exactly is happening and whether the FDA and GSK are serious about getting the drug approved.

Originally GlaxoSmithKline had hoped to get the low dose version of Xenical in US pharmacies by summer 2006 but it is now keeping mum on whether it is going to get the drug launched at all. Many market analysts are saying the lack of information from both the FDA and the company itself is not a good indication that the drug is going to be launched.

The likelihood that the drug Alli would be launched was positive after an FDA advisory panel voted in favour by 11 to 3 to allow the sale of the drug but there are obviously some issues that still require to be resolved. The present prescription version of orlistat works by cutting out the fat intake in the body by about a third for users and is licenced for use for obese people.

It can really help obese people lose weight as it gives them that extra push when it comes to weight loss and dieting. The drug has already been extensively tested so no new human testing was required for the launch of Alli but there were still people who said that young people and adults may abuse the drug by taking too much of it if they were not aware of side effects of orlistat.

Xenical can cause people to get loose stools and stomach cramps and some doctors advise that users take extra vitamin supplements along with the diet drug. At Ukmedix we always advise that orlistat must not be seen as an easy way to lose weight but must just be taken along with a lowfat diet plan to reduce the chances of unpleasant side effects.

If we hear any more updates regarding Alli from either the FDA or from GlaxoSmithKline we will let you know. It is not likely to be approved in the UK for sometime after an FDA approval meaning a wait of at least 2 years for UK residents.