.gif){kind=logo}
GlaxoSmithKline's (NYSE: GSK) Alli, the first ever over-the-counter weight loss drug approved by the FDA, will be available in late June, almost hitting the market in time for this summer's bathing suit season. The drug will likely become immediately popular, because it will be FDA tested and approved (unlike Trimspa and Hoodia), but available over-the counter (unlike Meridia and Xenical). Helping it to become a household name is the $150M+ marketing push the drug is getting this year. The advertising has already begun -- I saw an ad for Alli while researching GNC's website for this blog. This should be enough to bring the drug to the forefront of our obese culture's mind. However, the advertising won't be able to keep it there. Only results will.
And unlike past drug treatments for obesity, this one is being very upfront about what it is and isn't. It is not a magic pill, says the website, myalli.com, and the most active ingredient for it to work is you. This is both good and bad for Glaxo. The good news for the company is that they will not be told they are advertising the product falsely -- the website is all about how you have to be ready to change your lifestyle for it to work, and how if you don't, the drug will give you less than desirable side-effects. The bad news is that this is much less likely to be a blockbuster drug if it is not the miracle obesity pill the market has been dying for, which it sadly doesn't appear to be.
All in all, I'd say this is no home run, but a stand-up double for Glaxo. Alli will help those willing to work at it, and strengthen the company's consumer healthcare products segment, fitting in nicely with anti-smoking drug Nicoderm. It will not, if Alli's website is any indication, revolutionize dieting in our instant gratification seeking country.
(On a totally unrelated note, Google ought to sue Glaxo for copyright infringement -- the Alli logo strongly resembles Google's own logo. Although I guess Google would have a tough time with anything like that, with all the heat they are facing since taking over YouTube and all.)
Biotech ETFs: Best bets on health care reform
Cramer on BloggingStocks: The world's been waiting for the new GM 
Dell fights Taiwanese authorities over pricing mishaps
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
5-09-2007 @ 3:06PM
Amy said...
This drug is known as Xenical, in its double dose prescription form. I took it for 7 years ( one pill daily) and it kept me from gaining about 15 lbs., which is exactly what I gained in the 12 mths I stopped it. I did not change my diet during the post Xenical year. HOWEVER, and this is VERY important...you will LEAK orange foul-smelling oil from your tushy if you eat fatty foods! It will not clean with toilet paper, it will stain the toilet bowl until scrubbed with bleach, and it will leak THROUGH your pants uncontrollably, also staining your clothes (it is VERY hard to get out, even with bleach). This will happen only once to convince you to decrease your fat intake..lol. No fast food on this medicine, no greasy foods, no pizza especially. I don't know why they don't warn people about this. I am an ARNP who prescribed it to many patients, but I gave them the warning to be careful. Carry baby wipes, and an extra set of pants!! At least until you know how it will affect you. Sorry, but somebody needs to warn the public. I will be afraid to sit on a cloth seat (think theater) anywhere in public when this comes out! The leaking stain is 99% permanent ( smell too!). Well good luck all dieters..and don't say I didn't warn you, lol.