Nastech to push ahead with obesity spray trial

Nastech Pharmaceutical has requested FDA approval to begin human trials of PYY3-36 spray to treat obesity. The spray delivers a hormone--the YY peptide--that researchers say plays a role in regulating the body's eating habits. Nastech shares were hammered earlier this year when Merck announced that a preliminary study of the hormone demonstrated no effect and was pulling out of a collaboration to develop the therapy. Nastech, however, says the study shows that the hormone is safe and noted that other developers are researching injectable forms of the YY peptide.

- here's the report on Nastech from the Seattle Times

PLUS: Nastech pocketed a $7 million milestone fee from P&G. Report