Our development projects in the therapeutic area of Endocrinology derive from research work on growth disorders and metabolic diseases – two areas where the Merck Serono division can build on its long-standing experience. Tesamorelin is a growth hormone-releasing factor analog to which our U.S. subsidiary EMD Serono acquired the U.S. commercialization rights. This compound has therapeutic potential in a variety of indications. Following the successful conclusion of Phase III clinical trials, our development partner Theratechnologies submitted an application in the second quarter to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for use in reducing excess abdominal fat in HIV patients with lipodystrophy. It is estimated that 30% to 50% of HIV patients suffer from this condition, for which there is currently no approved treatment available.
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