Quoted from http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE68C38U20100913
FDA to ask panel whether to ban Abbott diet drug
By Susan Heavey
WASHINGTON | Mon Sep 13, 2010 11:15am EDT
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. health regulators could pull Abbott Laboratories controversial weight-loss drug Meridia off the market over heart problems, according to documents released on Monday.
In memos released ahead of a public meeting to discuss the diet pill on Wednesday, Food and Drug Administration officials said they planned to ask outside advisers whether to ban Meridia, take other regulatory action, or leave the prescription drug as is.
While the FDA will later make the final decision, it usually follows its advisers' advice.
Meridia was never a big seller for Abbott, and some analysts see little impact no matter what steps the FDA takes.
Analysts expect $101 million in global sales for Meridia this year and $90 million in 2014, according to Thomson Reuters data.
Meridia, which was approved in 1997, has drawn concern for years over potential cardiovascular risks, with consumer advocates calling for its withdrawal. Critics say the slight weight loss is not worth the risk.