WASHINGTON, June 10 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Amylin Pharmaceuticals, Inc. today announced study results showing that co-administration of two neurohormones known to have a role in body weight control, amylin (produced by beta cells in the pancreas) and leptin (produced by fat cells), resulted in sustained, fat-specific weight loss in a leptin-resistant animal model of obesity.
These findings were presented at the 66th Annual Scientific Sessions of the American Diabetes Association (ADA) in Washington, D.C in a poster titled "Leptin Responsivity Restored in Leptin-Resistant Diet-Induced Obese Rats: Synergistic Actions of Amylin and Leptin for Reduction in Body Weight and Fat."
"These findings provide preclinical proof of concept that amylin can restore leptin responsiveness in obese leptin-resistant animals. The study further demonstrates the potential to treat obesity with a combination therapy that employs multiple weight-regulating neurohormones," said Alain Baron, Senior Vice President, Research, at Amylin Pharmaceuticals. "A clinical study to further substantiate these results is planned to start later this year."
In leptin-resistant, diet-induced obese rats, co-administration of amylin and leptin resulted in a decrease in food intake and body weight greater than that seen with either hormone. The amylin plus leptin combination also increased fat oxidation (fat stores used up) and prevented the fall in energy expenditure (calories used up) that is usually expected with weight loss. Weight loss occurred due to decreased fat mass, while lean tissue was preserved.
The full abstract is available online at http://scientificsessions.diabetes.org/ by searching for abstract number 52-LB.
"We will pursue the development of novel obesity therapies with the same scientific rigor we brought to the development of our first-in-class diabetes drugs BYETTA(R) and SYMLIN(R)," said Ginger L. Graham, Amylin's Chief Executive Officer. "We see great potential in examining how integrated neurohormonal pathways can be used to treat obesity and other metabolic disorders. This approach is in line with our research philosophy that hormones with multiple actions may have tremendous potential, whether used alone or as part of a combination therapy."
Amylin acquired exclusive rights to the leptin molecular franchise and on- going clinical program earlier this year.
About Amylin
Amylin Pharmaceuticals is a biopharmaceutical company committed to improving lives through the discovery, development and commercialization of innovative medicines. Amylin has developed and gained approval for two first-in-class medicines for diabetes, SYMLIN(R) (pramlintide acetate) injection and BYETTA(R) (exenatide) injection. Amylin's research and development activities leverage the company's expertise in metabolism to develop promising therapies to treat diabetes, obesity and cardiovascular disease. Amylin is located in San Diego, California with over 1200 employees nationwide. Further information on Amylin Pharmaceuticals is available at http://www.amylin.com/.
This press release contains forward-looking statements about Amylin. The company's actual results could differ materially from those discussed in this press release due to a number of risks and uncertainties, including that clinical trials will replicate previous preclinical study or clinical trial results; that clinical trials will commence or conclude when planned; risks that Amylin's compounds will not receive regulatory approval and in the FDA's approval process generally; risks that Amylin's research approach will be able to develop product candidates or result in approved products; and risks and uncertainties inherent in the drug discovery and development process. These and additional risks and uncertainties are described more fully in the Company's recently filed Form 10-Q. Amylin disclaims any obligation update these forward-looking statements.
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