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Originally published January 31 2005

Maker of Vioxx researching new nasal spray for obesity

by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, NaturalNews Editor

Merck and Co., which pulled its arthritis painkiller Vioxx from the market late last year after it was linked to heart attacks, is a partner in a new nasal spray that may help fight obesity. The company has just begun clinical trials of the new drug and says reported side effects are minimal so far. The drug suppresses appetite by stimulating the part of the brain that sends the feeling of "fullness" to the stomach.


Nastech Pharmaceutical Company Inc. Announces Initiation of Clinical Trial for Investigational PYY3-36 Nasal Spray Under Co-Development and Co-Promotion Alliance with Merck & Co., Inc. "This study being conducted by Merck builds upon Nastech's PYY clinical program. To date, 63 subjects have received more than 900 doses of intranasal PYY, a synthetic form of the naturally-occurring peptide," said Gordon Brandt, M.D., Executive Vice President, Clinical Research and Medical Affairs of Nastech. The investigational PYY3-36 Nasal Spray is designed to deliver the natural, appetite-regulating hormone PYY directly to the bloodstream. Nastech has completed three Phase I clinical trials, each designed to answer specific questions regarding tolerability, dosing and scheduling. Utilizing its proprietary drug delivery technology, Nastech developed the nasal spray formulation of PYY as a unique, non-invasive treatment option for obesity. Obesity is a leading health threat facing Americans and is the second leading cause of preventable death in the United States. Nastech Pharmaceutical Company Inc. is an emerging pharmaceutical company focusing on the development and commercialization of innovative products. We and our collaboration partners are developing a diverse portfolio of product candidates for multiple therapeutic areas including obesity, osteoporosis, erectile dysfunction, breakthrough cancer pain and multiple sclerosis. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to: (i) the ability of Nastech to obtain additional funding; (ii) the ability of Nastech to attract and/or maintain manufacturing, research, development and commercialization partners; (iii) Nastech's and/or a partner's ability to successfully complete product research and development, including pre-clinical and clinical studies and commercialization; (iv) Nastech's and/or a partner's ability to obtain required governmental approvals; and (v) Nastech's and/or a partner's ability to develop and commercialize products that can compete favorably with those of competitors.



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