Knoll Pharmaceutical Company Begins Nationwide Distribution of New Anti-Obesity Agent, MERIDIA

Business Wire, Feb 12, 1998

MT. OLIVE, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 12, 1998--

Educational Campaigns for Physicians, Patients, Knoll Employees

Support MERIDIA Availability

Knoll Pharmaceutical Company announced today that it has begun the distribution of MERIDIA(R) (sibutramine hydrochloride monohydrate) Capsules C-IV to wholesalers, retailers, and pharmacies nationwide. By mid-March, the majority of U.S. pharmacies are expected to have the anti-obesity drug in stock. In November 1997, Knoll received clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to market MERIDIA, which is indicated for the management of obesity, including weight loss and maintenance of weight loss when used in conjunction with a reduced-calorie diet.

MERIDIA works in a different manner from other prescription weight management medications. It is a neurotransmitter reuptake inhibitor--a class of drugs that has been used safely for many years in other therapeutic categories--that acts to enhance the body's normal function. MERIDIA is the only product in the class of neurotransmitter reuptake inhibitors that is indicated for the management of obesity. MERIDIA works by affecting chemicals in the brain involved in regulating appetite--allowing them to act longer. The appetite control center in the brain is believed to regulate the amount of food eaten through feelings of hunger and fullness.

Advocating A Responsible Marketing Credo

"With the availability of MERIDIA, Knoll's highest priority is guiding the appropriate use of this product," said Carter Eckert, President of Knoll Pharmaceutical Company. "We will support physicians who manage obesity in our mutual goal of helping patients to reach and maintain a healthier weight."

Knoll has adopted a Responsible Marketing Credo that reflects core company values. This credo guides overall development and marketing of MERIDIA, and Knoll's involvement in the challenging weight management therapeutic category. Its principles include a commitment to ethical promotional conduct, scientific innovation, support for health professionals and patients, and leadership in ensuring responsible marketing of prescription weight management products.

Forging Physician Partnerships for Appropriate Use, Prescribing

To encourage the appropriate prescribing and use of MERIDIA, Knoll has launched a series of educational initiatives to the medical community. Letters have been sent to physicians and other healthcare professionals nationwide, as well as to weight loss centers, emphasizing the responsible use of MERIDIA. Complete prescribing information, as well as realistic answers to questions patients may ask physicians about MERIDIA are included in the letter.

"We know that MERIDIA will offer the medical community a valuable new therapy to help manage obesity, a disease that affects nearly one-third of American adults," said Steven Freeman, Vice President, Marketing and Medical, Knoll Pharmaceutical Company. "By forging a partnership with physicians and other healthcare professionals, we are putting into practice Knoll's commitment to consumers--helping ensure that MERIDIA is used by the right people, in the right way, for the right reasons."

Physician Education Programs

To launch the post-approval physician education program, a national Continuing Medical Education (CME) program for physicians will be convened in a symposium about obesity management and MERIDIA. Building upon CME programs conducted by Knoll over the past three years, this program will be televised to hospitals and other sites nationwide. The program will include a presentation of the latest statistics on the social and clinical costs of obesity; a discussion of new tools for intervention that combine lifestyle changes and pharmacotherapy; and case presentations and practical treatment guidance, such as how and when to prescribe MERIDIA appropriately.

To further enhance physician understanding, training modules accredited for CME by the University of Minnesota will be distributed to interested physicians with materials on the importance of recognizing obesity as a chronic disease, the role of lifestyle intervention, and the value of the team practice approach--involving nurses and dietitians--in the patient's management. Each module includes text, audio and video information, including a physician guide, a staff guide for office personnel and a patient education booklet.

Peers Provide Support

Knoll has created a forum composed of physicians and obesity specialists who will conduct training sessions, upon request, for their peers. This corps of health professionals will educate their colleagues about appropriate prescribing and advances in the management of obesity. These sessions will provide educational support for physicians in local and regional areas across the nation. Knoll also is offering a novel element to the physician education program: a sensitivity training videotape that guides physicians in their interaction with obese patients.