"Qnexa is a proprietary formulation of controlled release topiramate and phentermine. As evidenced by the high retention and low dropout rates in the pivotal trials, we believe the reduced Cmax of topiramate, in the presence of phentermine, has a beneficial net effect on centrally mediated adverse events such as attention, as compared to commercially available topiramate formulations," stated Wesley Day, vice president of clinical development of VIVUS.

"The integrated safety summary for the year-long studies showed that discontinuation rates due to cognitive side effects were minimal as no MedDRA preferred term associated with cognitive effects resulted in discontinuation in more than 1% of subjects. Previous studies of topiramate monotherapy have discontinuation rates for disturbance in attention that were at least three times greater than what was observed in our studies. These results were consistent with the expected profile and previous experience of Qnexa in our studies," stated Leland Wilson, president and chief executive officer of VIVUS. "We believe this additional data further substantiates the safety profile of Qnexa. Taken in the context of the statistically significant weight loss and improvement on co-morbidities, Qnexa has a positive benefit/risk profile. Completion rates for patients on Qnexa were significantly better as compared to placebo in the phase 3 trials. We believe the overall efficacy and safety profile of Qnexa supports approvability."

The company anticipates filing the NDA for Qnexa by the end of 2009.

Previously reported highlights from the EQUIP and CONQUER studies were included in the presentation:

Average weight loss of 14.7% (37 lbs) was achieved by patients treated with Qnexa for 56 weeks in the EQUIP study;Significant improvements in cardiovascular, metabolic and inflammatory risk factors among patients treated with Qnexa;FDA efficacy benchmarks for weight loss agents were exceeded at all three doses of Qnexa tested in the clinical program; andCompletion rates up to 69% were significantly higher than placebo at all three doses of Qnexa, indicating favorable tolerability.Across both 56-week studies, the most commonly reported side effects were dry mouth, tingling, constipation, altered taste and insomnia. There were no serious adverse events reported for cognitive disorders.

SOURCE VIVUS, Inc.