Orexigen Therapeutics will cut several programs in order to focus on its obesity drugs, Contrave and Empatic. Proof-of-concept Phase II trials for OREX-003 (zonisamide and olanzapine to mitigate antipsychotic-associated weight gain) and OREX-004 (fluoxetine and naltrexone to reduce symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder) have been discontinued. The company will hold onto its intellectual property in these assets and retains the option to restart both programs.

Orexigen is directing all of its efforts and resources to Contrave and Empatic, its obesity product candidates. It anticipates announcing the results from the first Phase III clinical trial for Contrave in January.

Dr. Gary Tollefson has resigned as director, president and chief executive officer, to focus on his continued recovery from a previously disclosed diagnosis of acute leukemia. Chief business officer Anthony McKinney and vice president of neuroscience Frank Bymaster have left Orexigen pursue other opportunities. Dr. Michael Cowley will step down from his role as chief scientific officer, but will consult for the company.

“While our balance sheet remains strong, the company recognizes the challenges of the current economic environment and the need to focus our resources on our late-stage obesity programs,” said Eckard Weber, M.D., the company’s interim president and chief executive officer and executive chairman. “I would like to thank Gary, along with the other members of the departing group, for their extensive contributions to Orexigen. We believe we are in a very favorable position largely as a result of their efforts.”