Comments on: Fen-Phen Redux? Arena Says Fat Chance http://www.pharmalot.com/2007/09/fen-phen-redux-arena-says-fat-chance/ News, Comment and Conversation Fri, 10 Feb 2012 19:24:06 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.6.2 By: James http://www.pharmalot.com/2007/09/fen-phen-redux-arena-says-fat-chance/#comment-19014 James Tue, 11 Sep 2007 21:05:27 +0000 http://www.pharmalot.com/2007/09/fen-phen-redux-arena-says-fat-chance/#comment-19014 The question I have is this: once science finds a compound that can have a dramatic impact on weight loss with few side effects, how long before Medicare/Medicaid beings reimbursement for even slightly overweight people? How long before, in the interest of public health and preventative medicine does it become "overprescribed," highly subsidized, etc? Given a major presidential candidate has called for a healthcare system that would *require* individuals to get mammograms, check-ups and health screenings, when does this become Soma? Maybe I'm jumping the gun a bit, but if obesity truly is a public health epidemic, how would a pill to treat it be any different than polio vaccine? The question I have is this: once science finds a compound that can have a dramatic impact on weight loss with few side effects, how long before Medicare/Medicaid beings reimbursement for even slightly overweight people?

How long before, in the interest of public health and preventative medicine does it become “overprescribed,” highly subsidized, etc?

Given a major presidential candidate has called for a healthcare system that would *require* individuals to get mammograms, check-ups and health screenings, when does this become Soma?

Maybe I’m jumping the gun a bit, but if obesity truly is a public health epidemic, how would a pill to treat it be any different than polio vaccine?

]]> By: pharma giles http://www.pharmalot.com/2007/09/fen-phen-redux-arena-says-fat-chance/#comment-19002 pharma giles Tue, 11 Sep 2007 20:24:23 +0000 http://www.pharmalot.com/2007/09/fen-phen-redux-arena-says-fat-chance/#comment-19002 The likelihood is that Wyeth will adopt the Merck strategy, and delay paying anything to anyone for as long as they possibly can... The likelihood is that Wyeth will adopt the Merck strategy, and delay paying anything to anyone for as long as they possibly can…

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