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    Tesofensine

    Tesofensine (NS2330) is classified as a presynaptic serotonin–noradrenaline–dopamine reuptake inhibitor. When these three neurotransmitters are prevented from being reabsorbed by the central nervous system, the body responds by feeling less hungry. Tesofensine acts primarily as an appetite suppressant with simultaneous effects on fat oxidation and resting energy expenditure. Tesofensine also has a modulating action on dopamine in a particular section of the brain which appears to affect the pleasure sensation of food consumption.

    Tesofensine was originally developed for the treatment of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. However, initial studies of tesofensine for these neurological conditions failed to demonstrate efficacy. Researchers found that weight loss was consistently reported as an adverse event in the original studies, particularly in overweight or obese patients. Ultimately, development of tesofensine for neurological applications was stopped and studies of tesofensine for the treatment of obesity began.

    Dopamine Adaptation

    Since tesofensine has an effect on dopamine, let's first take a look at why that matters by talking about dopamine adaptation.

    Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that helps produce feelings of satisfaction and pleasure. When out of balance we can lose these important benefits. Decreased dopamine signaling through overeating can lead to dopamine adaptation and behavioral changes.

    Altered dopamine signaling can cause weight gain, obesity and glucose intolerance. It is estimated that 70% of obese individuals have fewer receptors for dopamine compared to normal weight individuals. There are two reasons to explain this. Either the obese individuals have low numbers of dopamine receptors to begin with or their bodies are trying to compensate for having chronically high dopamine levels, which are triggered by chronic overeating.

    How Tesofensine Addresses Dopamine

    Regulation of body weight is extremely complex—it involves many physiological mechanisms and neurotransmitter action. Addressing the dopamine receptor deficiency or finding other ways to regulate dopamine in obese people might help reduce the tendency to overeat.

    Dopamine transporter proteins are inhibited by tesofensine, so the dopamine receptors are stimulated for a longer period after activation and the brain's reward system is amplified. With a similar mechanism of action, tesofensine also increases levels of two other monoamines, serotonin and noradrenaline. Each of these transmitters exert an important function on appetite and metabolism at different locations in the brain. Dopamine acts in the nucleus accumbens of the forebrain to modulate reward and the "pleasure" feeling of food. The two other transmitters act in the hypothalamus to increase metabolism and reduce appetite.

    In addition to diet and lifestyle changes, the unique action of tesofensine can help reverse blunted dopamine response in obese patients. This combined with exercise (which we know boosts dopamine may be a viable option for weight loss.

    Tesofensine Phase 2 Study Results

    The clinical Phase 2b trial reported in The Lancet showed levels of weight loss over a six-month period. Patients lost an average of 28.2lbs on a 1 mg dose, 24.9 on a 0.5 mg dose and 14.7lbs on a 0.25 mg dose compared with a 4.8lbs loss in the placebo group. All participants were instructed to follow a diet with a 300 kcal deficit and to increase their physical activity gradually to 30-60 minutes of exercise per day.

    • • Improved levels of insulin sensitivity, higher metabolism of glucose, potentially suitable for patients at risk from type II diabetes.

    • • Reduction in appetite sensations within a 14-day period, greater level of satiety and less desire to eat.

    • • After 14 days, a significant increase in energy expenditure at rest of 6% was observed. This increase was directly linked to tesofensine and any external factors were excluded as possible causes.

    • • Significant increase in fat oxidation and reduction in fat tissue. The 24-hour fat oxidation increased by 15% and there was a reduction in protein oxidation.

    Phase 3 Study

    This study was a 24-week double-blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled trial. It was designed to investigate the efficacy and safety of 0.25mg and 0.50 mg oral tesofensine compared to placebo in 372 obese patients.

    Tesofensine Outcome & Benefits

    The following are possible outcomes and benefits for individuals using tesofensine:

    • • Decrease in body weight and reduction in BMI

    • • Improvements in waist and hip circumference

    • • Decreased body fat

    • • Decreased visceral fat

    • • Decreased very-low-density lipoprotein & triglycerides

    • • Decreased insulin

    • • Better regulation of glucose metabolism

    • • Potential of reversing early type 2 diabetes

    In general, tesofensine is very well tolerated with few adverse effects and very similar to placebo. When measuring cardiovascular effects, a low but statically significant increase in heart rate was noted but no significant effect on blood pressure at any of the doses tested.

    The combined clinical safety database from more than 20 clinical trials with tesofensine now contains approximately 1,600 patients taking a therapeutic dose for up to a year, providing robust safety data. It has been given FDA approval as an orphan drug.

    Potential Side Effects of Tesofensine

    The side effects of tesofensine are similar to other currently approved diet pills and weight loss medications.

    The side effects of tesofensine are similar to other currently approved diet pills and weight loss medications.

    I, , (patient/guardian) do hereby authorize and staff, to assist me with weight reduction. I fully understand that this program shall consist of a reduction in caloric intake, regular exercise and behavioral lifestyle changes and my treatment may include the use of appetite suppressants and fat burning injections. I further understand that in order to continue to receive appetite suppressants, I must have regular follow up and show continued weight loss. Regarding the use of appetite suppressants, as with any prescription medication, I understand that there are potential risks involved. Side effects may include nervousness, constipation, insomnia, headaches, dry mouth, weakness, fatigue, medication allergy, increased blood pressure and increased or irregular heart rate. I understand that these and other risks could be serious or in rare cases life threatening. Initial: I understand that if I develop side effects from the medication, I will discontinue taking the medication and notify the staff immediately and in the event the problem is severe, I will go to the nearest Emergency room for immediate care. I do not have a history of alcohol abuse, drug abuse, schizophrenia, manic-depressive illness, or eating disorder, since these conditions constitute a contraindication to the use of appetite suppressants. Initial: I agree not to take any other weight loss medications, other than those prescribed by any other physician and further agree to inform the staff of ANY changes in my medication or medical history. Initial: I understand that I can be successful without the use of appetite suppressants or injections as long as I am following a reduced calorie nutrition plan and increasing my activity level, however the use of such medications and injections may significantly help with my weight loss progress. I understand the risks associated with being overweight or obese include the possibility of high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, stroke, cancer, arthritis and pain of the joints, gallbladder disease and even sudden death. Initial: I understand that there is no guarantee that this program will work for me. I understand that I must follow the program as directed in order to achieve weight loss. By consenting to treatment, I agree to pay, in full, for all visits and charges incurred at each visit. I understand that these charges may or may not be covered by my insurance and the clinic does not provide or fill out claim forms for insurance purposes. I also understand that no refunds are given out. Initial: By signing below I certify that I have read and fully understand this consent form and understand the risks and benefits associated with my treatment for weight loss.