GI Experts Debate Post Phen/Fen Treatments for Obesity

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACTS:

Marie Kendra; (202) 973-5862
Catherine Franklin; 800-892-9172 beeper; [email protected]

MEDIA ADVISORY

GI EXPERTS DEBATE POST PHEN/FEN TREATMENTS FOR OBESITY: MANAGE WITH PILLS OR THE KNIFE?

WHO: American College of Gastroenterology (ACG) is an association of over 6,000 gastrointestinal professionals committed to the scientific study and medical treatment of disorders of the gastrointestinal tract.

WHAT: Millions of Americans have taken the drug combination phentermine and fenfluramine, more commonly known as phen/fen, in an effort to lose weight safely. But recent results suggest that phen/fen may be unsafe and that fenfluramine may be associated with cardiac complications. In response, the FDA suggested the voluntary withdrawal of fenfluramines from the market, pending clarification of the risks. ACG experts will address:

-- Lessons to be learned from the rise and fall of phen/fen
-- Post-phen/fen treatment of obesity: surgery vs. drugs

EXPERTS:
-- Lawrence J. Cheskin, MD, FACG, Johns Hopkins University Bayview Medical Center, Baltimore, MD
-- Louis Aronne, MD, New York Hospital, Cornell University Medical Center, New York, NY
-- Harris Clearfield, MD, FACG, Allegheny University of the Health Sciences, Philadelphia, PA

WHERE: Chicago Hilton & Towers, Private Dining Room 2 (Press Room) Press passes available at the main registration area. To schedule an interview, please call Catherine Franklin at (202) 973-5862.

WHEN: Tuesday, November 4, 1997, 9:00 AM (CST). Telephone or in-person interviews will be scheduled every 20 minutes.

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