DEERFIELD, Ill., and OSAKA, Japan — Takeda Pharmaceuticals USA Inc. and Orexigen Therapeutics Inc. have shipped Contrave extended-release tablets, a weight management medication for obese adults, to U.S. pharmacies.

The companies said Monday that eligible patients taking Contrave (naltrexone HCI and bupropion HCI) will have access to the Scale Down program, which provides mobile weight management support with a wireless scale that triggers daily personalized texts based on weigh-ins.

Scale Down LLC, which is independent from Takeda, is responsible for the program content. Takeda will cover the membership costs associated with the Scale Down program for all eligible patients during the offer period.

In addition, eligible patients will have access to Contrave Direct Save, which provides the lowest cost available for commercially insured and cash-paying patients, with one-on-one pharmacy support and home delivery.

When patients use the available savings offer, Contrave Direct Save provides progressive savings that begin on the third straight month of treatment if patients don’t miss a refill. Savings are also available to eligible patients through a Pharmacy Savings Card for those who prefer a retail pharmacy option.

"We’re excited that Contrave is now available and that we are able to provide eligible patients with additional offerings," stated Douglas Cole, president of Takeda Pharmaceuticals USA. "These offerings include the Scale Down program, a support program for weight management and Contrave Direct Save, which helps eligible patients to get Contrave at the lowest cost available to them, which can help to support a patient’s complete approach to weight management."

Contrave is approved by the Food and Drug Administration as an adjunct to a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity for chronic weight management in adults with an initial body mass index (BMI) of 30 kg/m2 or greater (obese), or 27 kg/m2 or greater (overweight) in the presence of at least one weight-related comorbid condition (such as hypertension, type 2 diabetes or dyslipidemia).

Takeda and Orexigen entered into a collaboration agreement in September 2010 for the development and commercialization of Contrave in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

"Today is an exciting day for our team at Orexigen and our colleagues at Takeda as Contrave is now launched and available by prescription in pharmacies across the country," commented Michael Narachi, chief executive officer of Orexigen. "We’re proud of our efforts working together to make this product available as a treatment option for appropriate patients."