Belviq (Lorcaserin hcl) is a serotonin 2C receptor agonist. It has been shown to decrease food consumption and promote satiety by selectively activating serotonin 2C receptors in the brain.

Belviq is specifically indicated as an adjunct to a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity for chronic weight management in clinically obese adults (BMI of 30 kg/m2 or greater) and overweight adults (BMI of 27 kg/m2 or greater) with at least one weight-related comorbid condition.

Belviq is supplied as a tablet designed for oral administration. The recommended dose is one 10mg tablet twice daily. Use of Belviq should be discontinued if 5% weight loss is not achieved by week 12 of treatment.

Clinical Results
FDA Approval
The FDA approval of Belviq was based on the results of three randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials with durations ranging from 52 to 104 weeks. Study 1 and Study 2 were conducted in adults (n=3182, n=4008; respectively) without type II diabetes, and Study 3 was conducted in adults (n=604) with type II diabetes. All subjects were administered Belviq 10mg twice daily. The primary endpoint for each study was weight loss at one year as assessed by percent of subjects achieving greater than or equal to 5% weight loss, percent of subjects achieving greater than or equal to 10% weight loss, and mean weight change. Belviq was administered in conjuction with one-on-one instruction for reduced-calorie diet and exercise counseling at the first dose and at every four weeks during the trials. Study 1 was a two-year trial, and Study 2 and Study 3 were one-year trials. Statistical significance was achieved in each group of Belviq-treated subjects compared to placebo upon evaluation of 5% weight loss or greater.
Belviq (lorcaserin hydrochloride) is a serotonin 2C receptor agonist. While the complete mechanism of action is not entirely understood, it is believed to decrease food consumption and promote satiety by selectively activating 5-HT2C receptors on anorexigenic pro-opiomelanocortin neurons located in the hypothalamus.