Merck’s experimental obesity drug, taranabant, is the latest pound-shedding pill to be weighed down by disturbing side effects.
On Monday, Leerink Swann analyst Aileen Salares said Merck’s intended commercial dosage of two milligrams did not produce the intended 5% weight loss in Phase III human trials, the final round of testing required by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
The most effective – and highest tested – four milligram dose achieved the desired weight loss but more than doubled instances of psychiatric side effects than a placebo.
Even the two milligram dose proved problematic: nearly twice as many patients taking it removed themselves from the trial, compared with the placebo, citing suicidal thoughts and neurological effects, Salares said.
More at Forbes
On Monday, Leerink Swann analyst Aileen Salares said Merck’s intended commercial dosage of two milligrams did not produce the intended 5% weight loss in Phase III human trials, the final round of testing required by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
The most effective – and highest tested – four milligram dose achieved the desired weight loss but more than doubled instances of psychiatric side effects than a placebo.
Even the two milligram dose proved problematic: nearly twice as many patients taking it removed themselves from the trial, compared with the placebo, citing suicidal thoughts and neurological effects, Salares said.
More at Forbes
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