GlaxoSmithKline : positive CHMP opinion for new non-prescription weight loss treatment – alli® – to help in the fight against obesity across Europe

23 October 2008 - GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) announced that alli ^® (orlistat 60mg) has received a positive opinion from the European Medicines Agency’s (EMEA) Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) as a non-prescription product. As a result, approval of alli (orlistat 60mg)could be granted by the end of the year across all 27 EU member countries with an anticipated launch in 2009 as the first licensed weight loss treatment available without a prescription. The product would be indicated for adults who are overweight and have a body mass index (BMI) of 28 or more... GlaxoSmithKline's Press Release -

Novo Nordisk : Levemir® demonstrates a 24-hour duration of action and significant weight loss in obese patients – new studies announced

10 September 2008 -Data released at the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD) Annual Meeting concludes that Levemir® (insulin detemir [rDNA origin] injection) is a once-daily treatment for diabetes patients after demonstrating a 24-hour duration of action in both type 1 and type 2 diabetes.1,2 Results from two other studies announced reveal that Levemir® can lead to significant weight loss for insulin-naïve patients with type 2 diabetes3, and provides a similar blood glucose response as glargine with no significant difference in daily average consumption (DACON) or diabetes-related pharmacy costs4... Novo Nordisk's Press Release -

BioServe : Customizable DNA Panels for Genetic Research

September 11, 2008 - BioServe announced a more affordable pricing plan for its vast bank of DNA with comprehensive, de-identified, covariate data that includes age, gender, diet, body mass index (BMI), and race. In addition, each sample has data on the complete diagnostic and treatment history of the donor. BioServe's DNA represents a wide range of disease states including cancers (breast, prostate, lung, colon, others), diabetes, heart disease, hypertension, arthritis, obesity, as well as some rarer diseases. The repository also includes over 14,000 control subjects that are free of major illnesses. DNA is available in quantities from a few nanograms to hundreds of micrograms per subject to suit customer needs. Customized DNA panels and case-control studies can be designed based upon the investigators’ needs, taking into consideration the specific data points available for each individual DNA sample. Another useful function of these DNAs is for investigators to utilize them as second group of samples to validate data generated from their studies... BioServe's Press Release -

Merck Discontinues Development of Investigational Medicine Taranabant for Obesity

Oct. 2, 2008 - Merck & Co., Inc. will not seek regulatory approval for taranabant, an investigational medicine, to treat obesity and is discontinuing its Phase III clinical development program for taranabant for obesity.

"Available Phase III data showed that both efficacy and adverse events were dose related, with greater efficacy and more adverse events in the higher doses. Therefore, after careful consideration, we determined that the overall profile of taranabant does not support further development for obesity... Merck & Co's Press Release -

Amylin Pharmaceuticals : Novel Data on Promising Obesity Pipeline at 2008 Annual Scientific Meeting of The Obesity Society

Oct. 1, 2008 - Data support the therapeutic potential of Amylin's integrated neurohormonal approach to obesity pharmacotherapy - Amylin Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: AMLN) announced that new data for its pipeline obesity candidates will be presented at the 2008 Annual Scientific Meeting of The Obesity Society in Phoenix October 3-7. The Obesity Society's annual meeting is one of the largest and most comprehensive scientific conferences in the field of obesity.

Amylin will present scientific data through 11 oral and poster presentations, showcasing progress in the company's obesity pipeline. In addition to Amylin's lead clinical-stage programs in obesity, pramlintide/metreleptin and AC2307, new findings will also be presented on various preclinical programs, including a new Y-family mimetic and Amylin's peptide hybrid (phybrid) platform. Additional information will be presented during two corporate-sponsored symposia focused on the emerging peptide hormone approach to the treatment of obesity and the new science and therapeutic research that shows promise to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease associated with obesity and type 2 diabetes... Amylin' Press Release -