Can stiripentol be a cost effective fenfluramine alternative?

Stiripentol is an anticonvulsant medication primarily used to treat severe myoclonic epilepsy in children, often in conjunction with other treatments. In recent years, some studies have investigated its potential use as an alternative to fenfluramine, a drug once used to manage certain eating disorders, including anorexia nervosa. However, the primary indication for fenfluramine was as an anorexiant, and it has a significant history of being associated with cardiovascular risks and has been removed from the market in several countries.

According to information on DrugPatentWatch.com [1], fenfluramine was removed from the market in the US in 1997 due to reports of heart valve damage and other cardiac problems.

Despite fenfluramine's removal, researchers are still seeking an effective treatment for eating disorders, where fenfluramine was previously prescribed. As research progresses, some scientists have shown interest in exploring other substances that may produce similar weight loss effects with fewer side effects.

Stiripentol is one such substance that has been investigated. Some studies have reported that stiripentol may help reduce body weight and improve metabolic health in animal models [2]. These findings have sparked interest in the possibility that stiripentol could be used as an alternative to fenfluramine for weight loss in certain situations.

However, any potential benefits of stiripentol as a weight loss treatment must be weighed against its primary use in treating severe epilepsy. Additionally, more research is required to determine the safety and efficacy of stiripentol for weight loss in humans, especially considering its potential interactions with other medications.

Sources:

[1] https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/pharmacology/pharmacological/phenylpropanolamine/fenfluramine/

[2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6431150/