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 -

Amarillo Biosciences Files Patent to Treat Obesity with Oral Interferon

June 11, 2008 — Amarillo Biosciences, Inc. (OTCBB: AMAR), a specialty pharmaceutical company focused on low-dose orally administered interferon as a treatment for a variety of conditions, announced that a patent has been filed with the United States Patent and Trademark Office on the oral use of interferon to treat obesity.

The company recently conducted a review of clinical data from four studies that it had conducted wherein 582 women were treated for autoimmune diseases or fibromyalgia syndrome over three to six months with one of 5 different low daily doses of oral interferon or placebo. This review found that a significantly greater proportion of women given two specific doses of oral interferon experienced at least a 5% weight loss, compared to the women given placebo. This surprising benefit occurred in the women given oral interferon without a significant increase in adverse events... Amarillo Biosciences' Press Release -

OSI Pharmaceuticals : Clinical Development Program for Anti-Obesity Candidate, PSN602

June 19, 2008- OSI Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: OSIP) announced that it has initiated the first-in-human clinical study of its development compound PSN602. Discovered by OSI's diabetes and obesity team, PSN602 is an oral dual serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor and 5-HT1A agonist, being developed for the treatment of obesity. PSN602 is the first clinical candidate to emerge from the Company's research efforts in obesity.

"Our research efforts are focused on designing innovative, next-generation, small molecule compounds to provide safer or more effective options for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and obesity," stated Anker Lundemose, M.D., Ph.D., President of (OSI) Prosidion. "We believe that not only does PSN602 have the potential to have a favorable side-effect profile relative to current therapies for obesity, but also the potential to provide greater efficacy."

The double-blind, placebo-controlled, ascending, single and multiple, oral dose study is designed to provide preliminary information on the safety, tolerability and pharmacokinetics of PSN602 in healthy lean and overweight/obese subjects, as well as on the effects of PSN602 on appetite and food intake in healthy overweight/obese subjects... OSI Pharmaceuticals' Press Release -

MDS Pharma : Therapeutic Focus on Respiratory and Metabolic Disorders

May 20, 2008 - MDS Pharma Services, a leading provider of innovative drug discovery and development solutions, has named two experienced medical professionals to lead its late stage clinical trial management activities related to respiratory ailments and metabolic disorders. Dr. Bernard Tisserand and Dr. Jonny L. Salyer have been named Executive Medical Directors for Respiratory Disorders and Metabolic Disorders, respectively. These therapeutic areas represent serious global public health concerns and are key areas of focus for MDS Pharma Services' customers. Respiratory disorders include conditions such as asthma, allergic rhinitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and community acquired pneumonia (CAP), while metabolic disorders include diabetes, dyslipidemia, obesity and metabolic syndrome, which is defined as a cluster of conditions that damage the cardiovascular system... MDS Pharma Services' Press Release -

Amylin Pharmaceuticals : Promising Data From Diabetes and Obesity Programs at ADA 2008

June 2, 2008, 2008 - Amylin Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: AMLN) announced that the company will present new data for its FDA-approved diabetes drugs, BYETTA(R) (exenatide) injection and SYMLIN(R) (pramlintide acetate) injection, and its pipeline diabetes and obesity drug candidates at the American Diabetes Association's 68th Annual Scientific Sessions (ADA) being held in San Francisco, CA from June 6 to 10. The company will also host an investor presentation on Sunday, June 8, at 7:45 PM PT (10:45 PM ET) that will be available by webcast. ADA is one of the largest scientific meetings for endocrinologists and other health care professionals involved in diabetes research and the delivery of diabetes care. Amylin will be introducing data through over 20 posters and eight oral presentations at the meeting. The data will demonstrate significant progress in key research and clinical programs that include studies of BYETTA, SYMLIN, and Amylin's early and late-stage pipeline candidates... Amylin's Press Release -