Uptake of Orexigen's Contrave outpaces rivals

Orexigen Therapeutics Inc. (NASDAQ:OREX) said net U.S. sales of weight-loss drug Contrave naltrexone/ bupropion were $6.5 million in 4Q14, its first quarter on the market.

Partner Takeda Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd. (Tokyo:4502) launched the fixed-dose combination of naltrexone sustained release (SR) and bupropion SR on Oct. 20. FDA approved Contrave in September as an adjunct to diet and exercise for chronic weight management in adults with obesity or who are overweight with co-morbidities (see BioCentury Extra, Sept. 10, 2014). ...