deCODE genetics has achieved a milestone under its alliance with Merck to develop novel treatments for obesity. Through genotypic analysis involving more than 1000 women participants in its obesity program, deCODE scientists have isolated a gene which in one form predisposes to obesity and in another form predisposes to thinness.

The companies are using this information in their drug discovery program. Decode receives a milestone payment for the identification of the gene.

"These are exciting results that suggest we have identified key markers within a pathway involved in the regulation of body weight in women," said Kari Stefansson, CEO of deCODE. "Obesity and thinness are two sides of the same coin, and with our partners at Merck we are working to identify the best targets for therapeutic intervention within this pathway as well as compounds that are effective against these targets. This is an important step towards developing new drugs that can treat obesity, perhaps by utilizing the body's own mechanisms for promoting and maintaining thinness."