SINGAPORE--Ildong Pharmaceuticals said South Korea's Ministry of Food and Drug Safety has granted approval for it to market the Arena Pharmaceuticals ($ARNA) weight-loss drug, Belviq (lorcaserin).
Arena's South Korea unit, Arena Pharmaceuticals GambH, arranged the licensing deal and is to supply the drug to Ildong in exchange for a $3 million milestone payment from Ildong. Ildong also is to handle distribution.
The approval indication is for use as an adjunct to a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity for weight management, Arena said. The drug is restricted to adults with an initial body mass index of 30 kg/m2 and at least one comorbid condition such as hypertension or Type 2 diabetes.
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