Palatin : Phase 1 Trial for Obesity Compound in collaboration with AstraZeneca

August 4, 2011 – Palatin Technologies, Inc. (NYSE Amex: PTN) confirmed the commencement of a Phase 1 clinical trial of AZD2820, a subcutaneously-administered peptide melanocortin receptor partial agonist, under development as a single-agent therapy for the treatment of obesity. AZD2820 is a clinical candidate selected by AstraZeneca from its collaborative research program with Palatin Technologies. 

Obesity is a global problem, with the World Health Organization estimating that over 1.5 billion adults are overweight and over 500 million are obese. Worldwide obesity has more than doubled since 1980. A number of different metabolic and hormonal pathways are being evaluated by companies around the world in efforts to develop better treatments for obesity. Scientific research has established that melanocortin receptors have a role in eating behavior and energy homeostasis, and that some melanocortin receptor agonists decrease food intake and induce weight loss in animal studies.

The single center study is expected to enroll 90 subjects in a randomized, single-blind, placebo-controlled, Phase 1 trial in healthy male volunteers... Palatin Technologies' Press Release -

Palatin Technologies : AMENDMENT EXPANDING ASTRAZENECA OBESITY COLLABORATION

July 1, 2008 – Palatin Technologies, Inc. (AMEX: PTN) announced that AstraZeneca and Palatin have amended their exclusive global licensing and research collaboration agreement to discover, develop and commercialize compounds that target melanocortin receptors. The original agreement was effective in January 2007.
Under the amendment, Palatin has agreed to license additional compounds and associated intellectual property to AstraZeneca. Palatin will receive development and regulatory milestone payments if any additional compound advances into human clinical trials, and sales target milestone payments and stepped royalties if any additional compound is commercialized.


Research scientists at AstraZeneca and Palatin are working to complete election of a lead drug candidate for initial clinical evaluation. Under the agreement, AstraZeneca is responsible for product commercialization, product discovery and development costs... Palatin Technologies' Press Release -

AstraZeneca and Columbia University Medical Center : strategic research collaboration to develop novel therapeutics for diabetes and obesity

June 17, 2008 - AstraZeneca (NYSE: AZN) and Columbia University Medical Center announced that they have entered into a strategic research collaboration in metabolic related diseases, to develop novel therapeutics primarily in type 2 diabetes and obesity and, with a secondary focus on atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries)/dyslipidemia (abnormal blood lipid levels).

The preclinical and clinical research will focus on discovering mechanisms and identifying new biological targets for intervention that have the potential of being starting points for successful and commercially viable treatments to tackle these diseases that are major risk factors for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality... AstraZeneca's Press Release -

AstraZeneca, Body Mass Index Has No Effect on Resolution and Healing of GERD Symptoms

October 16, 2007 - The link between gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and obesity has long been established, but healthcare professionals have had little guidance as to whether obese patients with GERD* should be treated differently than normal-weight patients with GERD. Two studies about obesity and its relationship to GERD were presented at the American College of Gastroenterology (ACG) Annual Scientific Meeting this week... AstraZeneca's Press Release-