1.   B. POSSIBLE NEW OBESITY GENE Scientists may have discovered a new obesity gene.

2.   Bristol-Myers Squibb Co. and an Australian research institute will collaborate on research that could lead to a new obesity drug, the company said.

3.   But Hoffmann-La Roche, the maker of the new obesity drug orlistat, says it works and expects to get it on the U.S. market.

4.   FDA APPROVES DIET DRUG The Food and Drug Administration approved the first new obesity drug since a ban on Redux and fen-phen.

5.   Pharmaceuticals giant Bristol-Myers Squibb Co. announced last month that it would collaborate with an Australian research institute for a new obesity drug.

6.   Yesterday, the FDA approved a new obesity drug that blocks fat.

7.   Dctors on a government panel failed to agree Thursday on whether the possible threat of brain damage should derail a new obesity drug.