Transcript Blocviroc - a unique treatment for HIV/AIDS

Trimonabant – tackling a
modern epidemic
Jusni Saladdin
Development Head,
Metabolic Diseases
The Context
• Obesity is a rapidly growing problem in
the western world
• Nearly a quarter of the UK population is
obese
• The cost to health authorities is huge
• Glazmerzer needs a product for this
market
Mode of Action
• Evidence came from
cannabis smokers
• Trimonabant targets
receptors in the brain
• Appetite is suppressed
removing sensation of
hunger
• Needs to be taken with
strict diet
Phase II Trials
• Volunteers chosen were obese, or
overweight.
• Participants were placed on a strict diet,
and received Trimonabant or a placebo.
• The study was 'double blind‘.
• Patients on high dose of Trimonabant lost
more weight than those on just placebo.
• Significant weight loss from the abdomen.
• Evidence of minor side effects
Phase III Trials
• Relatively inexpensive - $400 million
• Easy to recruit for and easy to compare
• Risks
– Phase II was short term. Concern about
longer term effect on nervous system
– Competitor’s drug shows serious side effects
– Might not work long-term or on all patients
Market Considerations
Need a product for this huge market
Trimonabant – a likely blockbuster
Manufacture is straightforward
Welcomed by Health Care Authorities –
the cost of treating obesity is huge
• Need to be first to Regulators
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Questions