After lackluster results in a phase 3 trial, Merck
The drug, taranabant, inhibits the cannabinoid receptors in the brain. Stimulating those receptors -- by smoking marijuana, for instance -- gives you the munchies, but blocking them does just the opposite: You lose your desire to eat. Great theory, but, like Sanofi-Aventis'
Obesity treatments are in a potentially lucrative market, but given the high risks -- witness Wyeth's
So who's left? Abbott Laboratories'
There's huge potential for a company to come in and take over the market with an effective drug that has few side effects. Arena's
Bottom line? Tread lightly, Fools. It doesn't get much more high risk/high reward than obesity-drug development.
More Foolishness on potentially lucrative markets:
- The gaming industry usually does well in hard times.
- Health care looks good -- we're not getting any younger, you know.
- You can still make money in a bear market.