Obesity drug hailed a success
December 14, 2004
By Jen Kelly
A WORLD-FIRST obesity drug invented in Melbourne is
a step closer to market after weight watchers lost an
average of 2.8 kilograms each in 12 weeks.
Researchers said the new drug had none of the side
effects of existing obesity drugs.
The fat-busting drug -- called AOD9604 -- was invented
by Monash University researcher Associate Professor
Frank Ng.
Prof Ng said the drug was the first in the world to
fight fat by speeding up the metabolism of body fat.
Obesity drugs already on the market either reduce the
appetite or restrict nutrient absorption.
Prof Ng has devoted 15 years to developing a treatment
using a human growth hormone to fight obesity. The drug
has passed the second phase of human clinical trials
and is expected to enter the final testing stage next
year.
Metabolic Pharmaceuticals, the Melbourne firm developing
the drug, said about 300 obese patients used the drug
for 12 weeks with positive results.
Patients on the most successful dose, 1mg daily, lost
an average of 2.8kg, with no side effects detected.
The bio-tech firm said the drug worked by tricking
a fat body into thinking it was thin.
But health experts warned the overweight and obese
that the long-term answer to weight control was unlikely
to be found in a pill bottle.
Australian Medical Association weight management spokesman
Rick Kausman urged Victorians to beware of quick-fix
solutions. He said examining one's reasons for becoming
overweight, especially lack of movement and eating when
not hungry, was the best way to reach a healthy weight.
Source:www.heraldsun.news.com.au
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