Tesofensine 500 mcg 30 caps

Tesofensine - what it is and how it works

Tesofensine is a small-molecule compound that affects neurotransmission in the central nervous system, described as a reuptake inhibitor of monoamines (serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine). In clinical studies on obesity, the mechanism of the weight-reduction effect has been linked mainly to a reduction in appetite and a decrease in spontaneous energy intake, rather than to a classic „thermogenic” boost. In a randomized phase 2 study in obese subjects, tesofensine, as a dietary supplement, led to significantly greater weight loss and improvements in body composition parameters compared to placebo.

Tesofensine - study status and dosage

Tesofensine does not have a widely accepted, approved dosage for the treatment of obesity (the indication and regulatory status depend on the country, and development in this direction has historically been limited by safety issues, among others). Dosage data are mainly from clinical trials that evaluated several dose levels. The classic phase 2 study used doses of 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg and 1.0 mg once a day in combination with a hypocaloric diet, observing the dose-effect relationship for weight reduction. However, these are research doses from a clinical protocol, not recommendations for self-administration.

Tesofensine and weight reduction - study results

In the phase 2 study, after 24 weeks, mean weight reduction (at %) was higher in the tesofensine groups than in the placebo groups, and the effect increased with dose. The authors also reported that weight loss was largely associated with fat loss and improvements in selected quality-of-life indicators, supporting the hypothesis of a dominant „appetite-inhibiting” component of the effect.

Tesofensine - side effects and safety according to scientific literature

The most commonly reported side effects in the obesity trial included dry mouth, nausea, constipation/diarrhea and insomnia. The comments and discussions also highlighted the potential problem of increased blood pressure and heart rate, which is important for assessing cardiovascular risk and is usually a key part of discussions about further development of such therapies.

Tesofensine - market price and availability 

Tesofensine does not function in the EU (Germany, Czech Republic, Austria) or in the UK as a standard, pharmacy weight reduction drug, so there is no uniform „pharmacy price” for this indication. Internet listings appearing outside the system of approved drugs are not a reliable reference for the cost of therapy, because they involve unregulated marketing and may not meet the quality requirements inherent in medicinal products. (In describing SEOs, it is safest to stick to regulatory status and scientific publications).

Tesofensine - where can I buy?

Tesofensine is currently an investigational substance and does not have the status of an approved medicinal product for the treatment of obesity in European markets. As a result, it is not available in pharmacies or in the standard pharmaceutical trade.

Tesofensine can only be accessed through clinical trials and research and development projects, and through specialized suppliers offering it as a research reagent for scientific and analytical purposes. The substance is not intended for use in humans or for therapeutic purposes.

Sources:

1. The Lancet (2008) - randomized phase 2 study in obesity (efficacy, doses 0.25/0.5/1.0 mg, side effects): https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736%2808%2961525-1/abstract

2. PubMed study record of Astrup et al (metadata + abstract): https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18950853

3. The Lancet (2009) - commentary on the profile (including pressure/heart rate vs. effect): https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736%2809%2960432-3/fulltext

4. Nature Reviews Drug Discovery (2008) for a discussion of the results and context: https://www.nature.com/articles/nrd2772