From Hoodia Gordonii to P57 Molecule
CSIR South Africa (Council for Scientific and Idustrial Research) isolated the hunger-suppressing chemical component in Hoodia Gordonii, now known as P57 and patented it, In 1997.
CSIR licensed the UK-based firm Phytopharm to further develop and
commercialize P57.
It has been established that P57 works fooling the brain into thinking it is full, even when it is not, therefore curbing the appetite.
The following year, Phytopharm licensed drug giant Pfizer to develop and market P57. P57 (press releases from Phytopharm)
1997 23 June Phytopharm to Develop Natural Anti-obesity Treatment
1998 13 October Anti-Obesity Drug Candidate (P57) Enters Phase I Clinical Trials.
1999 14 April They Open a Manufacturing unit in South Africa.
2000 03 August Extension of Research Collaboration on Appetite Suppressant (P57) with Pfizer Inc.
2001 07 March Commences Proof of Principle Clinical Study of P57 for Obesity and in April Proof of Principle Phase I Clinical Study of P57 for Obesity - Successful Completion of First Stage.
2001 05 July Proof of Principle Clinical Study of P57 for Obesity - Successful Completion of Second Stage 2001 10.
2001 05 December Successful Completion of Proof of Principle Clinical Study of P57 for Obesity.
2002 11 April Opens new manufacturing unit in South Africa.
2002 30 July Future development of P57.
2003 12 March Update on development programme Appetite Suppressant P57.
2003 30 July Pfizer returns rights of P57.