Welcome and Introduction

Kenny J. Simansky, Ph.D.,  Drexel University College of Medicine

Framing the problems for research in obesity and the role of NIH in progress toward solutions

Philip F. Smith, Ph.D., NIDDK, NIH

A clinical view of the obesity epidemic and current pharmacologic treatments

F. Xavier Pi-Sunyer, M.D., St. Luke’s/Roosevelt Hospital

The new Neuroendocrinology of energy homeostasis

Michael W. Schwartz, M.D., University of Washington

The pharmacology of melanin concentrating hormone antagonists in the regulation of eating and body weight

Timothy J. Kowalski, Ph.D., Schering Plough Research Institute

Melanocortin receptors as targets for the development of novel anti-obesity agents

Russell Sheldon, Ph.D., Proctor and Gamble Pharmaceuticals

Welcome back and afternoon framework

Timothy H. Moran, Ph.D. Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

Molecular physiology of adipocyte signaling and lipolysis

Sheila Collins, Ph.D., Duke University Medical College

Fatty acid synthase inhibitors as therapeutic tools:  Basic science and clinical outlook

Frank Kuhajda, M.D., Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

Serotonergic mechanisms regulating eating and satiation

Kenny J. Simansky, Ph.D., Drexel University College of Medicine

Serotonergic 5-HT_2c  receptor agonists as novel therapeutic agents for obesity

Keith Miller, Ph.D., Bristol Myers Squibb

Peripheral peptidergic mechanisms regulating food intake

Timothy H. Moran, Ph.D., Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

CCK-1 receptor agonists:  A promising approach for the treatment of obesity

Jerzy Szewczyk, GlaxoSmithKline