Lorcaserin in Obesity: Identification of CNS Targets Using fMRI
Lorcaserin in Obesity: Identification of CNS Targets Using fMRI
The purpose of this protocol is to investigate, using functional magnetic resonance imaging
 (fMRI), the effect of treatment with lorcaserin on centers of the brain that control appetite
 and food intake, as well as lorcaserin's downstream metabolic effects.
The purpose of this protocol is to investigate the effect of treatment with the study drug,
 called lorcaserin on centers of the brain that control appetite and food intake, as well as
 lorcaserin's other metabolic effects. Lorcaserin's effect on the brain will be investigated
 using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Lorcaserin was approved in June 2012 as
 an addition to a reduced-calorie diet and exercise, for chronic weight management. Previous
 weight loss drugs, such as fenfluramine, acted throughout the body and caused heart problems.
 Lorcaserin is different because it only acts on receptors (sites of action) that are found in
 the brain and does not act on the heart, and thus, has not been shown to cause the heart
 problems seen in the past.

 1. To examine the effects of the study drug lorcaserin, on the brain, and its impact on
 food visualization (high fat and low fat images) and interaction with satiety (by
 measuring during the fasting or fed states) using fMRI. (Satiety is defined as when a
 person has had enough or too much food and does not want to eat any more, as after
 finishing a satisfying meal.)

 2. To examine the satiety and weight-reducing effect of lorcaserin using physiological
 measurements (such as how much weight is lost and how this may affect hormone levels),
 and its association with changes in fMRI responses and neuropsychological performance.
 To examine whether the long-term weight reducing effects of lorcaserin can be predicted
 by early food visualization.
Inclusion Criteria:

 Obese: BMI> 30 kg/m2 or >27 kg/m2 with comorbidities (including but not limited to insulin
 resistance, hypertension, dyslipidemia, cardiovascular disease, stroke, sleep apnea,
 gallbladder disease, hyperuricemia and gout, and osteoarthritis).

 Additionally, women participants must use double barrier methods to prevent pregnancy
 (diaphragm with intravaginal spermicide, cervical cap, male or female condom with
 spermicide). If a woman suspects that she has become pregnant at any time or does not use
 one of the contraceptive methods recommended by the investigator, she must notify the study
 staff. If a woman becomes pregnant, she will be withdrawn from the study. The study staff
 will follow the progress of her pregnancy and the birth of her child.

 Exclusion Criteria:

 1. Subjects using any other weight loss products (orlistat, phentermine, topiramate,
 fenfluramine, dexfenfluramine, amphetamines, GLP-1 agonists) or use within 3 months.

 2. Women who are breastfeeding, pregnant, or wanting to become pregnant.

 3. Women using IUD (intrauterine device)

 4. Any change in the dosage of hormonal contraceptive medications (birth control pills,
 implanon). Subjects should remain on same medication/ same dose during the time of the
 entire study.

 5. Moderate (creatinine clearance of 30-59 ml/min) and severe renal impairment
 (creatinine clearance below 30 ml/min) and end-stage renal disease

 6. Moderate, or severe hepatic impairment

 7. Hypersensitivity to the active substance or any of the excipients in lorcaserin

 8. Congestive heart failure and/or pulmonary hypertension

 9. Arrhythmias (bradycardia, tachycardia) and valvular heart diseases

 10. Diagnosis of diabetes, defined per ADA criteria as Hba1c > 6.5% and/or fasting glucose
 > 125 mg/dL and/or random glucose > 200 mg/dL

 11. Inflammatory conditions like inflammatory bowel disease, Rheumatoid arthritis etc.

 12. Alcohol consumption- the maximum quantity for men is 140g-210g per week. For women,
 the range is 84g-140g per week or drinking as consuming no more than two drinks a day
 for men and one for women. Alcohol can cause increased risk of pancreatitis and
 hypoglycemia.

 13. Untreated thyroid disease like hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism

 14. Subjects taking the following medications: phosphodiesterase inhibitors, serotonergic
 medications (e.g. SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor), SNRI, MAO (monoamine
 oxidase) inhibitors, bupropion, tricyclic antidepressants, St. John's Wort), valproic
 acid, codeine (CYP2D6 inhibition), tamoxifen, timolol, warfarin, steroids (inhaled or
 systemic due to reduced hypoglycemic effect), and subjects on other hormones (LHRH
 analogs etc).

 15. Subjects with any type of bioimplant activated by mechanical, electronic, or magnetic
 means (e.g. cochlear implants, pacemakers, neuron or biostimulators, electronic
 infusion pumps, etc.)

 16. Subjects with any type of metallic implant that could potentially be displaced or
 damaged during MRI, such as aneurysm clips, metallic skull plates, surgical implants
 etc. or metal containing tattoos

 17. Anxiety of small spaces and/or claustrophobia

 18. Uncontrolled cardiac impairment, circulatory impairment, or inability to perspire
 (poor thermoregulatory function)

 19. Significant sensory or motor impairment

 20. Epilepsy, particularly photo-sensitive epilepsy, which may place the individual at a
 higher risk for adverse events during fMRI scanning with visual stimulation

 21. Subjects with neurological problems which may interfere with or complicate testing
 (e.g. presence of titubation)

 22. Body weight above the limitation of the MRI scanning table (330lbs/150 Kg) or body
 dimensions that could difficult the performance of the scan.

 23. Subjects who cannot adhere to the experimental protocol for any reason

 24. Anemia with Hgb less than 10

 25. Uncontrolled infectious diseases (e.g. HIV, hepatitis, chronic infections etc)

 26. Any uncontrolled endocrine condition, e.g. Cushing's, Acromegaly, etc

 27. Any cancers or lymphoma

 28. Eating disorders like anorexia, bulimia

 29. Weight loss surgery or gastrectomy