Institute for Advanced Medical Research Partners with Shire to Launch Vyvanse® for Binge Eating Disorder

ALPHARETTA, Ga. - Feb. 25, 2015 - PRLog -- The Institute for Advanced Medical Research is pleased to announce that their collaboration with Shire Pharmaceuticals, Inc. has resulted in the first and only treatment approved by the Food and Drug Administration for those suffering from Binge Eating Disorder (BED).

The Institute, working under the sponsorship of Shire Pharmaceuticals, Inc. investigated the efficacy and safety of Vyvanse® as treatment of BED in adults. These patient volunteers met the criteria for BED without having the compensatory weight loss behaviors associated with bulimianervosa (i.e. purging, laxative abuse and excessive exercise).

The presumed mechanism of action of Vyvanse®, a d-amphetamine, is the blockade of the reuptake of DA and NE thereby increasing the availability of both of these neurotransmitters. Several lines of evidence suggest stimulants would constitute an effective treatment for BED.

It has long been speculated that BED may represent a “reward deficiency syndrome,” where deficient tonic DA signaling promotes binge eating behavior in an attempt to restore DA function to normal levels (Blumetal 1996, 2000 and 2008). Vyvanse® relieves binge eating in BED by stabilizing a deficient DA reward system via long-term blockade of DA reuptake.

“Until now, there has been no FDA approved medication to treat Binge Eating Disorder. The general public sees anorexia nervosa and bulimia as the only two eating disorders out there. With this new approval, we can help patients while helping doctors and society understand the disorder exists, as well as the treatment options available,” offered Angelo Sambunaris, M.D, Founder and Medical Director at the Institute for Advanced Medical Research.

To learn more about this medication for BED visit http://www.vyvanse.com.

About the Institute for Advanced Medical Research

The Institute for Advanced Medical Research empowers individuals struggling with neuropsychological conditions to actively participate in their treatment. By educating and informing patients and their families, the team offers them a renewed sense of purpose. Rather than simply being victims of a disease, study participants become health care heroes, creating a personal legacy of advancing medical science.

Adhering to the highest standards of quality and strict ethical principles of medical research, the Institute employs a patient-centered approach that balances a commitment to safety with highly personalized care. Since 1998, the Institute has helped more than 3,000 individuals improve their quality of life while ensuring that millions more can benefit from access to innovative medical treatments. For more information, visit the Institute for Advanced Medical Research website at IAMResearch.org or call 770-817-9200.