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Qsymia, Belviq Make Progress With Aetna, But Coverage Remains Long-Term Challenge

 
• By Cathy Kelly

Aetna has issued a revised clinical policy bulletin that includes Qsymia and Belviq among the drugs it considers to be “medically necessary weight reduction medications” when a series of criteria are met.

Aetna Inc.’srecentpositive reimbursement nod to Vivus Inc.’s Qsymia (phentermine/topiramate) and Arena Pharmaceuticals Inc.’s Belviq (lorcaserin) is regarded by the drug firms as a positive development but only one step in a long process.

Aetna posted a revised clinical policy bulletin for weight-loss drugs Nov. 20 that includes Qsymia and Belviq among the drugs...

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