RxTrials Institute Drug Pipeline Alert

Nastech Pharmaceutical has started a Phase II trial of PYY3-36 nasal spray in obese patients. The study will enroll approximately 500 patients for a six-month, randomized, placebo-controlled, dose-ranging study with weight loss as the primary endpoint.

The study will evaluate three different doses of the spray versus placebo and Meridia (sibutramine), a commercially available oral weight loss drug. Patients will take the spray or placebo three times daily prior to a meal over the 24-week period.

The study also will evaluate other effects including the proportion of patients who lose at least 5 percent or 10 percent of their baseline body weight as well as the effect on hemoglobin A1c levels, Nastech said.