Researchers have recently reported that an experimental diet drug has the ability to help some obese people shed pounds and keep them off for two years. The drug will be called Qnexa if it reaches the market and is a combination of the appetite suppressant phentermine and the anti-seizure drug topiramate.

This drug however, has seen some road blocks in approval though. Last year, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) rejected Qnexa, citing that there are some safety concerns, mainly elevated heart rate in some users and the potential for birth defects if pregnant women were to use the drug. However, last month, the FDA accepted a new application from Qnexa maker, Vivus Inc., which is seeking approval now for the drug to be marketed with a warning that women shouldn’t use it in the childbearing age.

The study suggests that the benefit will last for two years and was compared to 227 people who were given a placebo. Qnexa users from clinical trial showed a decline in obesity-related health problems, where on average, their blood sugar and insulin levels dipped and they were less likely than placebo users to develop diabetes.

Almost four percent of those present in the placebo group developed diabetes per year. Also, a little less than two percent of people on a lower Qnexa dose developed diabetes each year, as did one percent of those who were taking a higher does.

It’s up in the air as to whether or not the drug will actually become available to purchase due to safety concerns but the companies behind this drug are working hard to receive approval from the FDA>