VVUS

VVUS

VIVUS Inc. (NASDAQ: VVUS) is soaring to new heights on what is already exponential trading volume on its key weight loss study results. The company’s interim update showed that two studies covering more than 3,750 patients may become the new weight loss target of all weight loss drugs, and therefore which could be used for diabetes and heart disease patients in some or many cases. Those taking Qnexa reduced their weight by up to 14.7% on average in one trial, and the drug also showed improvement in blood pressure and diabetes symptoms and risk factors. Vivus’ second study showed an average weight loss of about 13.2%. Those taking the placebo lost only about 2.5% of their weight in the first study and about 2.4% in the second study. Vivus indicated that it will seek FDA approval by year end.

Vivus reported that the side effects included dry mouth, tingling, constipation, altered taste and insomnia. Some reported drug-related instances of depression and depressed mood and adverse events of moderate to severe nature were observed in less than 2% and were actually similar to that seen in the placebo group. Unfortunately, these mood and depression instances are very common instances in those trying to lose significant weight. There is an important aspect here, and that is that it puts two other drug companies in the hot seat. Orexigen Therapeutics Inc. (NASDAQ: OREX) met its weight loss targets in late stage studies and it has previously given an early-2010 for when it seeks FDA approval. Arena Pharmaceuticals Inc. (NASDAQ: ARNA) is also developing a weight loss treatment which it said earlier this year met endpoints.

This new study result has shares of VIVUS up over 50% to $10.60 in pre-market trading and at 9:50 AM EST there has already been 4.15 million shares trading hands. More importantly, this takes the stock to highs of this entire decade now. Orexigen Therapeutics is also up almost 4% at $8.50 on the news, while Arena Pharmaceuticals is up almost 7% at $4.94. This and other studies in the war against diabetes and obesity was mentioned in a much broader and much larger piece including stocks: VIVUS Inc. (NASDAQ: VVUS) is soaring on what is already exponential volume. The company’s interim update showed that patients taking Qnexa reduced their weight by up to 14.7% on average in one trial, and the drug also showed improvement in blood pressure and diabetes symptoms and risk factors. Vivus’ second study showed an average weight loss of about 13.2%. As far as how this compares to placebo, patients taking placebo lost less than 3% of their weight. As of 8:38 AM EST we have seen a gain of 50% at $10.33 and we have seen 3.6 million shares trade hands.