Boston - Despite excitement around the world and media attention, Pfizer Inc. has just announced that they will no longer develop an experimental obesity drug.
For many people, the promise of a new drug was the hope for a new lease on life. Many people have been worried for themselves and for family members, as pant sizes increase and the quality of food decreases.
The decision has occurred in response to “recent demands by certain national health authorities”.
Similar to other obesity drugs, many were hoping that this drug would make the market more competitive and would lower the risks associated with other obesity drugs. The obesity drug was currently in the third of its three stages of testing. The drug operated by blocking the receptor in the brain that is responsible for causing hunger pains or making people think they are hungry.
Many are worried that the decision to pull the plug on the testing and on the drug in general will negatively affect the company’s revenue, as some had projected the drug could eventually take in over $500 million in sales.
Specifics behind the decision have not yet been released, but there are have been many other companies that have pulled obesity-related drugs from their line-up. Companies like Merck & Co. pulled their drugs because of links to suicide.