Merck Initiates Trial for Investigational PYY3-36 Nasal Spray

Nastech Pharmaceutical has announced that its partner, Merck & Co. has initiated a Phase I study for PYY3-36 Nasal Spray for the treatment of obesity.

Under the terms of the previously announced agreement, Nastech and Merck will jointly develop PYY. Merck will assume primary responsibility for clinical and nonclinical studies and regulatory approval, while Nastech will be responsible for all manufacturing of PYY-related product. Merck will lead and fund commercialization, with Nastech having an option to co-promote the product in the U.S.

In earlier Phase I clinical studies performed by Nastech, PYY3-36 was generally well-tolerated, with the only side effects at 1 percent or greater being nausea, headache and dizziness.