Merck, Health Management Resources Corp. partner to form weight-management company

WHITEHOUSE STATION, N.J. — Drug maker Merck is starting a new business designed to provide weight-management intervention services to employers, patients and healthcare professionals, the company said.

Merck announced the launch of HMR Weight Management Services Corp., which it said would provide weight-management interventions that combine a structured diet, behavior coaching and monitoring and physical activity to aid weight loss. Merck is working with Boston-based Health Management Resources Corp. to launch the new subsidiary, though HMR will continue to operate as an independent company.

"We're excited to provide scalable weight-management interventions based on approaches that have shown consistent results in clinical trials and that have been effective in the battle against obesity," said Len Tacconi, who will head the new company as president.

HMR provides its programs through a network of licensed clinics in medical and academic centers and a remote-delivery program called Health Solutions at Home; according to a clinical study of the program, the median weight loss for participants was 23 pounds after 12 weeks, Merck said.