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Findings of Merck's two-year Phase lll study of taranabant, the investigational cannabinoid-1 receptor (CB1R) blocker, showed that patients had a statistically significant weight loss when combining the drug with diet and exercise.

The findings, presented at the 57th annual scientific session of the American College of Cardiology, found that those taking 2 mg of taranabant had more than twice the weight loss in a 52 week period than those taking a placebo.

"Based on the benefit-risk considerations and the lack of a substantial improvement in the efficacy of taranabant at the 4 mg and 6 mg doses seen in our clinical program compared to the 2 mg dose, we have decided to continue to evaluate taranabant in doses up to and including 2 mg in our Phase III studies," said John Amatruda, M.D., vice president of clinical research, Metabolic Disorders, Merck Research Laboratories. "We have a robust Phase III clinical program in place, and we look forward to presenting further results later this year."

The drug is a highly selective blocker of CB1R which is believed to be responsible for regulating weight by controlling appetite and food intake, energy expenditure and food cravings.

[Source: CentreDaily]