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Merck Puts MK-0577 Obesity Drug On Hold

After diappointing clinical trials, Merck has put obesity treatment MK-0577 on hold.

The [phase 1] results spurred Merck to initiate a yearlong phase 2 study involving more than 1,600 patients who received placebo or MK-0557. The placebo group lost an average of 4 pounds compared to 7.5 pounds in the MK-0557 group. The difference was statistically significant, but it was not enough to support using the compound as a treatment for obesity, [Steven] Heymsfield said.

Analysis: Merck's obesity drug scrapped

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