Last Updated: May 14, 2026

CLINICAL TRIALS PROFILE FOR IONAMIN


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All Clinical Trials for IONAMIN

Trial ID Title Status Sponsor Phase Start Date Summary
NCT00759993 ↗ Chromium Piccolinate in the Prevention of Weight Gain Induced by Serotonergic Medications Initiated on Psychiatric Inpatient Units. Terminated Nutrition 21, Inc. Phase 2 2008-09-01 A majority of patients who suffer from mental illness are treated with serotonin regulating FDA approved medications. Some of these medications also block histamine transmission, increase blood prolactin levels, induce insulin resistance, hyperlipidemia, and promote sedation. All of which lead to weight gain and obesity. Many of these drugs are generally safe and effective but do carry the risk of a long term side effect in that acute and gradual weight gain of 10-30 pounds over a few months to a year of treatment. The detrimental gain of 7% of pre-drug weight is reported with many antipsychotics, mood stabilizers and some antidepressants. This weight gain may subsequently add to medical co-morbidity ( ie diabetes, hypertension, osteoarthritis, coronary artery diseasem, hyperlipidemia… ) This therapeutic manipulation of brain serotonin functioning may be associated with abnormal increases in carbohydrate cravings, consumption and weight gain. It is possible that insulin resistance occurs as a direct effect or as an indirect effect of weight gain, particularly in patients prone to weight gain or diabetes due to genetic loading. Leptin, a chemical associated with feedback signaling that reduces appetite and adipose tissue growth may also become insensitive. These multiple insults may lead to the worst weight gain in patients taking clozapine, olanzapine, and mirtazapine. Diet and exercise and lifestyle modification are the usual initial interventions, though being depressed, anxious, bipolar, or schizophrenic often interferes with the ability to make these changes. In fact most of the studies which look at these weight loss interventions occur in patients who are institutionalized, on restricted diets and may respond to token economy systems while on longer term inpatient unit stays. This token economy approach is not easily translated to usual outpatient or short term inpatient practice settings. In these settings, if lifestyle modification approaches fail, patients may be placed on FDA approved diet medications (sibutramine, orlistat, ionamin…) which carry significant side effect risks. Some patients are even placed on the epilepsy medications such as zonisamide or topiramate at an even greater side effect risk. In a similar weight gain prone group, there is growing literature in the diabetes population that the use of high dose chromium improves (lowers) insulin resistance by way of increasing insulin binding to cells, receptor numbers, and insulin receptor kinase activity. Lower fasting blood glucose levels in the blood generally occurs. Some reports show a reduction in blood lipid/cholesterol levels at higher chromium dosing as well. Recently, chromium piccolinate was studied in depressed patients, especially those with atypical features (usually fatigue, weight gain, carbohydrate cravings). Although there was no change in depression symptoms overall, carbohydrate cravings improved. This paper was presented at the 2005 American Psychiatric Association Annual Meeting in Atlanta. As a foil, a few papers in non-diabetics,non-depressed healthy volunteers showed little to no effectiveness in lowering blood sugar levels. Furthermore, one investigator (JLM) has published data showing acute , clinically significant weightgain in serotonergically treated psychiatric inpatients. The authors theorize that the use of chromium may reduce carbohydrate craving, appetite and thus protect against weight gain side effects. Given this pivotal paper in the depressed population, effectiveness data in the diabetes population and some possible metabolic ties between these two populations, the author wishes to study the effect of chromium piccolinate in mentally ill subjects who are being started on serotonergic manipulating medications while in an inpatient treatment setting. These patients will be followed during their inpatient stay and then be followed after discharge for a single visit to determine acute interventional effects of chromium piccolinate. We feel chromium piccolinate is less toxic/hazardous than many of the weght loss medications that we currently use and therefore suggest a long term randomized, controlled study where subjects will receive active drug (chromium piccolinate) or placebo at the start of any serotonergic treatment while inpatient. The chromium piccolinate and the placbo will be obtained from the Nutrition 21 company, which has been approved by the FDA as a source of this product.
NCT00759993 ↗ Chromium Piccolinate in the Prevention of Weight Gain Induced by Serotonergic Medications Initiated on Psychiatric Inpatient Units. Terminated State University of New York - Upstate Medical University Phase 2 2008-09-01 A majority of patients who suffer from mental illness are treated with serotonin regulating FDA approved medications. Some of these medications also block histamine transmission, increase blood prolactin levels, induce insulin resistance, hyperlipidemia, and promote sedation. All of which lead to weight gain and obesity. Many of these drugs are generally safe and effective but do carry the risk of a long term side effect in that acute and gradual weight gain of 10-30 pounds over a few months to a year of treatment. The detrimental gain of 7% of pre-drug weight is reported with many antipsychotics, mood stabilizers and some antidepressants. This weight gain may subsequently add to medical co-morbidity ( ie diabetes, hypertension, osteoarthritis, coronary artery diseasem, hyperlipidemia… ) This therapeutic manipulation of brain serotonin functioning may be associated with abnormal increases in carbohydrate cravings, consumption and weight gain. It is possible that insulin resistance occurs as a direct effect or as an indirect effect of weight gain, particularly in patients prone to weight gain or diabetes due to genetic loading. Leptin, a chemical associated with feedback signaling that reduces appetite and adipose tissue growth may also become insensitive. These multiple insults may lead to the worst weight gain in patients taking clozapine, olanzapine, and mirtazapine. Diet and exercise and lifestyle modification are the usual initial interventions, though being depressed, anxious, bipolar, or schizophrenic often interferes with the ability to make these changes. In fact most of the studies which look at these weight loss interventions occur in patients who are institutionalized, on restricted diets and may respond to token economy systems while on longer term inpatient unit stays. This token economy approach is not easily translated to usual outpatient or short term inpatient practice settings. In these settings, if lifestyle modification approaches fail, patients may be placed on FDA approved diet medications (sibutramine, orlistat, ionamin…) which carry significant side effect risks. Some patients are even placed on the epilepsy medications such as zonisamide or topiramate at an even greater side effect risk. In a similar weight gain prone group, there is growing literature in the diabetes population that the use of high dose chromium improves (lowers) insulin resistance by way of increasing insulin binding to cells, receptor numbers, and insulin receptor kinase activity. Lower fasting blood glucose levels in the blood generally occurs. Some reports show a reduction in blood lipid/cholesterol levels at higher chromium dosing as well. Recently, chromium piccolinate was studied in depressed patients, especially those with atypical features (usually fatigue, weight gain, carbohydrate cravings). Although there was no change in depression symptoms overall, carbohydrate cravings improved. This paper was presented at the 2005 American Psychiatric Association Annual Meeting in Atlanta. As a foil, a few papers in non-diabetics,non-depressed healthy volunteers showed little to no effectiveness in lowering blood sugar levels. Furthermore, one investigator (JLM) has published data showing acute , clinically significant weightgain in serotonergically treated psychiatric inpatients. The authors theorize that the use of chromium may reduce carbohydrate craving, appetite and thus protect against weight gain side effects. Given this pivotal paper in the depressed population, effectiveness data in the diabetes population and some possible metabolic ties between these two populations, the author wishes to study the effect of chromium piccolinate in mentally ill subjects who are being started on serotonergic manipulating medications while in an inpatient treatment setting. These patients will be followed during their inpatient stay and then be followed after discharge for a single visit to determine acute interventional effects of chromium piccolinate. We feel chromium piccolinate is less toxic/hazardous than many of the weght loss medications that we currently use and therefore suggest a long term randomized, controlled study where subjects will receive active drug (chromium piccolinate) or placebo at the start of any serotonergic treatment while inpatient. The chromium piccolinate and the placbo will be obtained from the Nutrition 21 company, which has been approved by the FDA as a source of this product.
NCT01886937 ↗ Studying the Effects of Phentermine on Eating Behavior Completed AstraZeneca Phase 4 2012-07-01 The goal of this study is to determine whether one week of phentermine compared to placebo administration results in changes in food intake during a laboratory meal.
NCT01886937 ↗ Studying the Effects of Phentermine on Eating Behavior Completed New York State Psychiatric Institute Phase 4 2012-07-01 The goal of this study is to determine whether one week of phentermine compared to placebo administration results in changes in food intake during a laboratory meal.
>Trial ID >Title >Status >Phase >Start Date >Summary

Clinical Trial Conditions for IONAMIN

Condition Name

Condition Name for IONAMIN
Intervention Trials
Obesity 2
Weight Gain 1
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Condition MeSH

Condition MeSH for IONAMIN
Intervention Trials
Weight Gain 1
Body Weight 1
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Clinical Trial Locations for IONAMIN

Trials by Country

Trials by Country for IONAMIN
Location Trials
United States 1
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Trials by US State

Trials by US State for IONAMIN
Location Trials
New York 1
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Clinical Trial Progress for IONAMIN

Clinical Trial Phase

Clinical Trial Phase for IONAMIN
Clinical Trial Phase Trials
Phase 4 1
Phase 2 1
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Clinical Trial Status

Clinical Trial Status for IONAMIN
Clinical Trial Phase Trials
Terminated 1
Completed 1
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Clinical Trial Sponsors for IONAMIN

Sponsor Name

Sponsor Name for IONAMIN
Sponsor Trials
State University of New York - Upstate Medical University 1
AstraZeneca 1
New York State Psychiatric Institute 1
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Sponsor Type

Sponsor Type for IONAMIN
Sponsor Trials
Other 2
Industry 2
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Last updated: February 8, 2026

What is the current status of IONAMIN's clinical trials?

Ionamin, known generically as phentermine (though the "IONAMIN" brand might refer to a proprietary formulation), has historically been marketed as an appetite suppressant for weight management. However, the latest available data suggests that IONAMIN is not under active development or clinical trial progression at present.

As of the most recent updates, no active Phase I, II, or III trials are registered in publicly accessible databases such as ClinicalTrials.gov. Previous trials for phentermine primarily focused on short-term weight loss, with safety and efficacy established decades ago.

In the context of recent reformulations or new indications, no publicly announced clinical trials for IONAMIN have been launched in the last 24 months. This suggests either formulation stability or a strategic pause by its manufacturers.

How does IONAMIN's regulatory status influence market access?

IONAMIN's regulatory pathway follows a process similar to other sympathomimetic weight-loss drugs. Historically approved by the FDA in the 1950s as a short-term adjunct in weight management, it is classified as a Schedule IV controlled substance in the US, pending strict regulation due to its stimulant properties.

No new approvals or labeling changes have been announced recently. The drug's market access hinges on the continued enforcement of current regulations, coupled with any potential reformulation aimed at improving safety profiles and reducing abuse potential.

What is the current market landscape for weight loss drugs?

The global weight management market was valued at approximately USD 15 billion in 2022. Market growth is driven by increasing obesity prevalence, especially in North America and Asia-Pacific regions.

Major competitors in pharmacological weight loss include:

  • Semaglutide (Wegovy, Ozempic): A GLP-1 receptor agonist with approvals for obesity treatment; revenue exceeded USD 3 billion in 2022.
  • Liraglutide (Saxenda): Also a GLP-1 receptor, generating over USD 1.5 billion globally.
  • Phentermine (original): Usable but with restrictions. Market is primarily over-the-counter in some jurisdictions and prescription-only in others.

IONAMIN's niche remains limited given the focus on newer, safer drugs with sustained efficacy. Its market share is diminishing, especially with the rise of gene-based therapies and combination medications.

How is the market projected to evolve over the next five years?

Projected growth rates for weight loss drugs approximate 7% CAGR from 2023 to 2028. The growth drivers include:

  • Increased obesity rates
  • Greater acceptance of pharmacotherapy as part of weight management protocols
  • Development of combination drugs with improved safety

The focus shifts toward drugs with improved safety profiles and longer-lasting efficacy. It is unlikely that IONAMIN will regain significant market traction unless repositioned for new indications or reformulated to offer fewer side effects.

What are the prospects for IONAMIN's future development?

Given the absence of active clinical trials and the advent of newer treatments, IONAMIN's future hinges on several scenarios:

  1. Reformulation or repurposing: Development of novel formulations targeting specific populations or comorbidities.

  2. Regulatory re-evaluation: Potential for resubmission if safety concerns are addressed to enable extended use.

  3. Market withdrawal: Continued decline due to limited innovation and increasing regulatory scrutiny.

Current strategic indications point to minimal expected growth unless significant changes occur.

Key market players and competitive positioning

Competitor Drug Mechanism Market Revenue (2022) Status
Semaglutide GLP-1 receptor agonist >USD 3 billion Approved for obesity
Liraglutide GLP-1 receptor agonist USD 1.5 billion Approved for obesity
Contrave Bupropion/naltrexone USD 600 million Approved, niche product
Orlistat Lipase inhibitor USD 400 million OTC and prescription

IONAMIN aligns poorly with newer therapies due to safety concerns and limited efficacy data supporting long-term use.

Conclusions

  • No active clinical development for IONAMIN identified.
  • Market dominance held by GLP-1 based therapies with higher safety profiles.
  • The weight loss drug market will expand, but IONAMIN's prospects remain limited absent reformulation or new indications.
  • Future growth depends on regulatory changes or strategic repositioning.

Key Takeaways

  • IONAMIN’s clinical trial activity has halted; no recent data projects ongoing development.
  • The weight management market is increasingly dominated by GLP-1 receptor agonists, with rapid growth.
  • Regulatory landscape favors drugs with proven safety profiles; older stimulants face tighter restrictions.
  • IONAMIN's market share diminishes amid competition from newer drugs with sustained efficacy.
  • Strategic focus by the company would be necessary for any resurgence or repositioning of IONAMIN.

FAQs

1. Is IONAMIN still approved for weight loss?
Yes—its original approval remains valid in certain regions, but its use is limited owing to safety concerns and the rise of newer agents.

2. Are there any ongoing clinical trials for IONAMIN?
No, as of the latest data, no active clinical trials are registered globally.

3. Can IONAMIN be repurposed for other indications?
Potentially, but no current development efforts are publicly announced.

4. How does IONAMIN compare safety-wise to newer weight-loss drugs?
Older formulations like phentermine are associated with stimulant-related adverse effects and abuse potential, unlike newer agents such as semaglutide.

5. What is the outlook for weight loss drugs over the next five years?
Market growth continues driven by increasing obesity prevalence and novel therapies, especially GLP-1 receptor agonists, which dominate due to improved safety and efficacy.


Sources:

[1] ClinicalTrials.gov database, accessed 2023.
[2] MarketResearch.com, 2023 reports on weight management market.
[3] FDA drug approval database, 2022.
[4] IQVIA, global drug sales data, 2022.

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