Bariatric Physician Appointed to FDA Advisory Panel

AURORA, Colo., March 31, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The American Society of Bariatric Physicians (ASBP) is pleased to announce that Ed Hendricks, MD, FASBP has been nominated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to serve on the Endocrinologic and Metabolic Advisory Committee (EMDAC). The FDA selects recognized authorities and top experts in their field to serve on such advisory panels. Dr. Hendricks' appointment is remarkable in that physicians in private medical practice are rarely selected to serve on the FDA's EMDAC committee.

"In light of the current obesity health crisis, we are pleased to learn that the FDA recognizes and values the knowledge of practicing bariatric physicians and the importance of obesity medications," said ASBP's President Larry A. Richardson, MD, FASBP.  "The ASBP fully supports Dr. Hendricks in this appointment and recognizes the FDA's need to draw on the expertise of obesity treatment experts."

The EMDAC is charged with evaluating and advising the FDA on new obesity, diabetes and other related drugs. In 2010 Dr. Hendricks was called on by the EMDAC to serve as a temporary advisor to the FDA during its review of an anti-obesity medication. In selecting him to now serve on the committee for a four year appointment, the FDA has acknowledged Dr. Hendricks as a recognized authority on anti-obesity drugs.

Dr. Hendricks' nomination to the FDA comes at a time when the obesity epidemic is one of the nation's top public health issues.  As a prominent Fellow, speaker, researcher and member within the ASBP, Dr. Hendricks is supported by over 1,400 physicians and health care professionals who treat obesity and its related diseases on a daily basis.  Through his research, Dr. Hendricks has demonstrated that anti-obesity drugs can be an effective way to treat various diseases including type 2 diabetes, heart disease, hypertension, sleep apnea, and several types of cancer.  

"Dr. Hendricks will provide the FDA with the clinical background and expertise required in order to thoroughly evaluate new obesity drugs as they are presented," said David Bryman, DO, ASBP's President-Elect.  "Through his many years of experience as a bariatric physician, Dr. Hendricks understands the risks and benefits associated with anti-obesity medications, and his input will be extremely valuable to the FDA and the overall health of our country."

About the ASBP

Founded in 1950, the ASBP is the oldest medical association dedicated to the non-surgical treatment of obesity and associated diseases. The ASBP is a collaborative organization that provides its members practical information and business tools to implement a successful medical bariatric practice. For more information about the ASBP, visit www.asbp.org.

SOURCE The American Society of Bariatric Physicians

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