Dapper Dad:
How REGN's slimming drug will fatten your wallet

My Dad’s been cleaning out his closet. Most of his clothes no longer fit because he just lost 45 pounds in seven months using Regeneron’s weight loss drug.

No, it’s not on the market yet. He’s part of the two-year Phase III trials that Regeneron is conducting. My Dad’s a guinea pig. A thin guinea pig.

The Phase III trial he’s involved with is half over. Which means Regeneron could be heading to the FDA for approval some time in 2004. Dad probably won’t be continuing with the drug after his trial is through. Because the drug has allowed him to modify his eating behavior so that weight gain is no longer a danger.

“It’s not a miracle drug,” he says. “What it does is allow you to stop eating when you’ve had enough.”

For the drug to be effective, you have to watch your caloric intake and exercise. For Dad, that exercise has been light weight-work at the gym every other day and walking a few rounds of golf a week. He’s enjoying his retirement.

Dad’s weight loss began almost immediately. It was noticeable at his first check-up two weeks after starting the drug. And the weight loss has been steady throughout the trial. His treatment consists of one self-administered injection a day.

Best of all, he’s reported no side effects whatsoever. No “sweaty-palm” syndrome from Dexatrim-type speed diets. And none of the fouler side effects associated with some of the other weight loss drugs on the market.

Based on my Dad’s experience, it looks like Regneron may have a blockbuster on its hands. And if the diet modification angle is truly lasting, we may have to look into shorting some grocery or fast-food stocks. And maybe buying some shares of the Men’s Warehouse to cash in when all those suddenly skinny big guys go in for a new wardrobe!n