The obesity drug Qnexa will be marketed to a wider patient base if it receives regulatory approval, drug maker Vivus Inc. announced Monday.
The company said the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has removed a contraindication in the proposed label of the drug, which would extend its use to women of childbearing age. Contraindications denote limitations on sales of a drug due to potential health risks.
On Monday, Vivus shares rose 17 percent to $11.90 on the Nasdaq following the announcement, Reuters reports.
Qnexa was once seen as the most promising obesity treatment in more than a decade, according to The Associated Press. However, an advisory panel refused to back the drug 18 months ago and asked Vivus to review its risks for women of childbearing potential.
The drug contains the ingredient topiramate, which is used to treat migraines and has been known to cause birth defects when taken by pregnant women.
Despite the removal of the contraindication for women of childbearing potential, Qnexa will remain contraindicated for pregnant women, Reuters reports.
The FDA will issue its verdict on the drug on April 17th.
