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 -

Interleukin Genetics and Geisinger : Collaboration on Genetic Tests to Predict Weight Loss Success

Sep. 18,2008 - Interleukin Genetics, Inc. (Amex: ILI - News), and Geisinger Health System, announced a research collaboration to explore the role of genetics in obesity. The goal of the collaboration is to develop a series of genetic tests that will help physicians better understand an individual's inherited resistance to weight loss and, more specifically, gauge a patient's likelihood of success with diet and other weight loss techniques.

Geisinger and Interleukin Genetics will engage in a case-control retrospective study involving the analysis of DNA to better understand genetic links to obesity. The study will focus exclusively on variations of perilipin, interleukin 1 and a select number of other genes... Interleukin Genetics' Press Release -

Obecure : First Patient in Phase II Obesity Study in Pre-Menopause Women

08.09.2008 - Obecure has commenced a Phase II clinical trial to evaluate the efficacy of Histalean^TM in obese patients. This study, encoded BET-207, is a follow-up to the Company's post-hoc findings in a prior Phase II study, suggesting that treatment with a 48 mg/day dose of the drug provides significant weight reduction in obese women up to the age of 50. The current study is a double-blinded, placebo-controlled, multi-center, dose ranging study to confirm the efficacy of a 12 week treatment with the drug in obese but otherwise healthy premenopausal females aged 18-50. The study will randomize about 180 obese women, with a body to mass ratio (BMI) ranging from 30 - 40 kg/m², into three study arms: 60 women will be treated with 48 mg/day Histalean^TM, 60 women will be treated with 96 mg/day Histalean^TM and 60 women will receive matching placebo. The study will be carried out in about 12 investigation sites in Europe and regulatory approval has already been received in Belgium and the Netherlands... Obecure's Press Release -