Orlistat (also known as tetrahydrolipstatin) is a drug designed to treat obesity. It is marketed as a prescription under the trade name Xenical in most countries and is sold over-the-counter as Alli by GlaxoSmithKline in the United Kingdom and the United States. Its primary function is preventing the absorption of fats from the human diet, thereby reducing caloric intake. It is intended for use in conjunction with a healthcare provider-supervised reduced-calorie diet.
Orlistat is the saturated derivative of lipstatin, a potent natural inhibitor of pancreatic lipases isolated from the bacterium Streptomyces toxytricini. However, due to its relative simplicity and stability, orlistat was chosen over lipstatin for development as an anti-obesity drug.
Xenical (orlistat) capsules are now available through GNH USA's worldwide pharmaceutical supply network — submit an enquiry to request availability and pricing.