Teva UK : generic anti-obesity drug Orlistat

12th December 2011 - Teva UK Limited launches generic anti-obesity drug Orlistat -

We are delighted to announce the first generic launch of Orlistat, generic equivalent to Xenical® (Orlistat) from Roche...

[...]

...“As the UK’s leading supplier of generics, we’re pleased not only to have the widest portfolio of our competitors, but also to show that we’re well-placed when it comes to innovation and being the first to market.”

Indication 

Orlistat is a generic version of prescription-only Xenical® from Roche and is indicated in conjunction with a mildly hypocaloric diet for the treatments of obese patients with a body mass index (BMI) greater or equal to 30kg/m2, or overweight patients (BMI ≥ 28kg/m2) with associated risk factors... Teva UK's Press Release -

Nestlé Health Science : Consensus panel calls for specialised nutritional therapy for the critically ill obese

September 13, 2011 - A newly published consensus report prepared by a panel of clinical experts, with sponsorship from Nestlé Health Science, reveals that there are opportunities to do more to manage the impact of obesity on the delivery of critical care, particularly in the area of nutrition therapy. With more than 25 percent of ICU patients considered to be obese or severely obese,1 the panel of clinical experts urges hospitals and medical professionals to adapt medical care traditionally designed to meet the needs of average-weight patients to the unique needs of the obese patient population. Patients with obesity, while heterogeneous as a population, are typically predisposed to greater morbidity, higher instances of infection and organ failure, and extended length of stay, all negative clinical outcomes that affect overall recovery.

“The lack of consistent standardized nutrition interventions for the critically ill patient with obesity means that some patients may be overfed and others may be underfed or malnourished. Some may never have their nutritional needs assessed. All of these scenarios can present problems with health outcomes and recovery rates,” said Dr Stephen McClave, M.D., professor of Medicine, University of Louisville, and moderator of the consensus panel.

The consensus report, published as a supplement to the September 2011 issue of the Journal of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (JPEN), explores multiple issues related to obesity in the critical care setting including the many challenges associated with applying standard nutrition therapy practice to the obese patient population. Areas of concern include assessment of nutritional status and nutrient requirements, as well as delivery of nutrients, including route of delivery, overfeeding of calories, underfeeding of protein and monitoring of feeding tolerance... Nestlé's Press Release -

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 -

VIVUS : Qnexa® Phase 3 Data Published In Obesity Show 14.4% Average Weight Loss In Severely Obese Patients Completing One Year Of Treatment

Nov. 3, 2011 - Weight Loss Accompanied by Improvements in Cardio-Metabolic Risk Factors -

VIVUS, Inc. (NASDAQ: VVUS) announced that results from the 56-week EQUIP study were published in Obesity, the peer-reviewed journal of The Obesity Society. The EQUIP study evaluated the efficacy and safety of the investigational drug Qnexa in 1,267 severely obese (BMI >/= 35 kg/m2) patients across 91 sites in the US. In addition to average weight loss of 14.4% of initial body weight among those who completed the study at the top dose of Qnexa, severely obese patients had improvements in blood pressure, glucose, triglycerides and cholesterol. The results with Qnexa suggest the potential to effectively treat severely obese patients without surgery.

"Obesity is a serious medical condition that threatens the public health and reduces the quality and length of lives. Currently available treatments are limited and options are needed," said lead investigator Dr. David Allison, director of the Nutrition Obesity Research Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham. "In this population of severely obese patients, those taking Qnexa experienced significant weight loss and reduction in risk factors for many chronic diseases. The results refute a common notion that nonsurgical treatments are not effective for extremely obese persons. The findings are especially relevant to the 14% of the US adult population classified as extremely obese."

Patients in the study had a baseline body mass index of >/= 35 kg/m2, and an average initial weight of 256 pounds. Treatment was well tolerated, with no evidence of serious adverse events induced by treatment... VIVUS' Press Release -

Digna Biotech and Biotecnol : Cardiotrophin 1 shows promising results for treatment of obesity and metabolic syndrome

14 September 2011 - Scientists from the Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA) of the University of Navarra (Spain) have discovered that cardiotrophin 1, a protein synthesized by muscle cells and adipose tissue, has a marked effect on fat and glucose metabolism. "These new findings add to those we already know on this compound such the anti-ischemic and cytoprotective effects showed in acute liver damage and solid organ transplants gives CT-1 great possibilities to be developed in various serious conditions”, commented Pablo Ortiz, CEO of Digna Biotech.

The study was published in the August issue of Metabolism Cell, most prestigious journal in Metabolism and further details were described in the 25th August of SciBX, the Biocentury/Nature publication. The researchers found that the administration of cardiotrophin 1 accelerates the elimination of fat from the adipose tissue and increases the rate at which fat is burnt in muscles. Treatment of obese and diabetic mice with cardiotrophin 1 increases energy expenditure, reduces food intake and corrects obesity and diabetes. Investigators noticed that, in addition to its effects on fat metabolism, cardiotrophin 1 promotes the entrance of glucose into the cells and increases the sensitivity to insulin. The investigation has been leaded by M. Bustos, J. Prieto and MJ Moreno-Aliaga at CIMA.

Cardiotrophin 1 is co-developed for its use in organ transplantation and tissue regeneration by Digna Biotech and Biotecnol (The Consortium). Both of the companies signed an Exclusive License and Option Agreement with Genentech, Inc (a fully owned subsidiary of the Roche group) on September 2009. Pablo Ortiz remarked: "Cardiotrophin 1 showed a very interesting effect on fat metabolism which deserves to be explored in a clinical setting. We are ready to recruit healthy volunteers in the Phase I trial before the end of the year. Phase II in liver resection is scheduled for the second quarter of 2012. We are also confident that these new applications and the progress on the clinical development will allow us to forge partnerships with other biopharmaceutical companies to reach the patients as soon as possible”... Biotecnol 's Press Release - Digna Biotech's Press Release -