LORCASERIN

Absorption

Lorcaserin has a peak plasma concentration of about 1.5 - 2 hours, but the bioavailability was not determined.

Toxicity

Most common adverse reactions include hypoglycemia (diabetic patients), headache, back pain,fatigue, decrease in lymphocytes,upper respiratory tract infection, and nasopharyngitis. Moreover, the safety and efficacy of coadministration with other weight loss products has not been established, and cardiovascular effects on mortality and morbidity have not been established.

Chemical properties

Yellow Oil

The Uses of LORCASERIN

Lorcaserin was used to treat Opioid Use Disorder (OUD).

The Uses of LORCASERIN

A novel selective 5-HT2C-receptor agonist for the treatment of obesity.

Indications

For the treatment of obesity, as an adjunct to a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.

Background

Lorcaserin (previously APD-356), a highly selective 5HT2C receptor agonist, is used for the treatment of obesity. It has been shown to reduce body weight and food intake in animal models of obesity, and it is thought that targeting the 5HT2C receptor may alter body weight by regulating satiety. Lorcaserin is marketed as a salt form called Belviq, which is lorcaserin hydrochloride.
In February 2020, the FDA issued a Drug Safety Communication requesting the manufacturer of Belviq (lorcaserin hydrochloride tablets, 10 mg) and Belviq XR (lorcaserin hydrochloride extended-release tablets, 20 mg) to voluntarily withdraw these products from the U.S. market, and the company has submitted a request to voluntarily withdraw the drug. This decision was based on the results of a clinical trial assessing the risk of heart-related problems that found that patients treated with lorcaserin may have a higher risk of cancer.

Definition

ChEBI: A benzazepine that is 2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-3-benzazepine substituted at position 1 by a methyl group and a t position 6 by a chloro group.

Mechanism of action

Lorcaserin acts at 5-HT2C receptors in the central nervous system (CNS), particularly the hypothalamus, to reduce appetite.

Pharmacokinetics

Lorcaserin produced a dose-dependent weight loss over a 12-week period by promoting satiety and decreasing food consumption.

Side Effects

• constipation
• dry mouth
• excessive tiredness
• pain in the back or muscles
• headache
• dizziness
• difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
• anxiety

Synthesis

The synthesis of LORCASERIN is as follows:
Liquid precursor 53 11-HCl (0.5mmol) was placed into a test tube equipped with a magnetic stir bar. Anhydrous 44 AlCl3 (1.75 equiv according to starting material) was added and efficiently mixed to obtain a paste. The mixture was slowly heated (10°C/min) to 150°C and stirred overnight. A saturated solution of 54 NaCl was added and the mixture was cooled. The pH was adjusted to 9.5-10 using 1M NaOH and then extracted with EtOAc. The combined organic phases were washed with brine, dried over Na2SO4 and the solvent was evaporated under reduced pressure. The obtained crude mixture was analyzed using 1H NMR spectroscopy (estimated yield by 1H NMR was 62%).

Metabolism

Lorcaserin has extensive hepatic metabolism producing inactive compounds. Lorcaserin sulfamate (M1) is the major metabolite circulating in the plasma, and N-carbamoyl glucuronide lorcaserin (M5) is the major metabolite in urine. Other minor metabolites that are both excreted in urine are glucuronide or sulfate conjugates.