News » October 2006

Merk trials on diet drug similar to Acomplia continues

October 03, 2006

Merck’s another diet drug has got dissatisfying results from its trials but Phase II results are still continued on large basis considering this drug similar to the drug pending for approval from FDA which is Acomplia.

The drug is named as MK-0557 and was expected to prove contender to the other Neuropeptide Y5 drugs which works by entering brain and effect on the protein in mind which is an appetite-stimulation molecule.

Merck was having hope of good returns from this drug as the phase one trial done on mice showed that she ate less and humans have not experienced any kind of severe side effects.

For the trial of Merck MK-0557 pill, 1,661 overweight people have given this pill for a year; they took either MK-0557 or placebo with diet and exercise program. Those people who were taking MK-0557 lost near about 3 pound in comparison to the others on placebo. According to the researchers point of view Merck diet pill for overweight adults do not have enough hold for significant weight loss.

The researchers also reported in this month’s journal Cell Metabolism issue "Solely targeting the NPY5R in future drug development programs is unlikely to produce therapeutic efficacy.

For the response of this Steven Heymsfield who is a clinical researcher at Merck said "We consider this a negative study." Heymsfield continues "The weight loss was about 3 pounds above the placebo group, but that has no commercial viability for a drug company,"

Merck also have to quit from its nasal spray for weight loss considering it not helpful for weight loss in March this year after the “Preliminary Proof of Concept Study.” Spray was a going to affect PYY3-36 hormone that is produced in small intestine once the person gets full with his food. This hormone then sends the signals to brain telling him that the stomach is full.

After that Merck has given all its right to biotech company Nastech Pharmaceuticals which continues to believe in the functioning of PYY3-36 and wants to move ahead with its phase II trials.

It has also been published in other online information providing websites that MK-0557 has a disappointing results regarding complex human response to food. As Merck has not got good results, it’s still moving for more trials with the CB-1 contender and refuses to discuss about these trials with anyone.

The trial was applied for two years on 2400 participants which has completed its one year and now entering into its second year, this time the participants are split into one of six groups. Different doses were given to different people. Those who were taking a strongest dose of 6mg are now replaced with lighter dose than before. Those who were taking 4 mg or placebo will remain on same.

Participants have given the mixed results. Some participants told they have still same weight but some lost more than in the trials of acomplia.

Now only MK-0364 is left in Merck’s Pipeline report which has been filed with U.S Securities and Exchange Commission on 7th August. Spectators must have noticed that for the drugs which are directly effecting on brain receptors need longer trials and more participants.