a weight loss drug which would work in a similar way to Acomplia

A few months back Ukmedix News reported that the drug company Merck, (famous for making the hair loss drug Propecia) was starting new clinical trials on its experimental new drug called Taranabant. This drug is designed to be a weight loss drug which would work in a similar way to the Acomplia weight loss drug by acting on brain receptors which control appetite. When Acomplia was launched it was the first appetite suppressant weight loss drug that worked on brain receptors rather than on another parts of the human body and created great excitement around the world.

The phase IIA clinical trials of Taranabant have now finished and the results of the testing will be announced at The Obesity Society’s annual general meeting which is in New Orleans in a couple of weeks. Ukmedix News will be reporting on the Obesity Society meeting and will be especially interested in the results of these clinical trials on what could prove to be an exciting new weight loss medication. Around 2,400 volunteers have been using the Taranabant drug over a two year period but until now the results were kept under wraps.

Gossip and rumor says that the results are extremely good and that Merck have much to be pleased about. The report will be presented by Dr Ngozi Erondu who is the head director of clinical research at Merck. Unlike the drug company Sanofi Aventis, Merck have been extremely secretive about their research and development of the Taranabant drug. The Taranabant drug is at present code named L-000899055 or MK-0364.

A spokesman from the company Merck said that the phase three clinical trials would not be finished until well into the year 2008.  It is likely that sometime in 2008 Merck will officially apply to the Food & Drug Administration for permission to market and advertise the drug in America.