Sanofi-Aventis SA new drug is called the Acomplia which the European Medicines Agency (EMEA) has recommended the drug for approval for weight loss. After this its shares rose 2.7%. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the drug for weight control. The chemical name of the drug is rimonabant and is now being recommended for overweight or obese patients. But Sanofi failed to win the approval of the agency, EU committee and FDA to make Acomplia available as an anti-smoking drug. But the FDA said it needed further information before approving it as a weight-loss tool. The drug has caused a lot of sensation as it attacks obesity. It was found that people on the drug ate less. In clinical trials the drug resulted in losing 16 pounds (7.3 kilograms) on average from people taking the optimal dose for two years, compared with 5.5 pounds (2.5 kilograms) for those who took dummy pills. But the European agency approved it only for obese patients who suffered from related problems, like abnormal cholesterol levels or type 2 diabetes. Dr Luc Van Gaal, Professor of Diabetology at Antwerp University Hospital, Belgium said that the drug cannot be used by people for cosmetic reasons. Sanofi also says that the trials show that the drug has the ability to reduce heart disease risk-factors. The company is conducting further studies aimed at extending its use to other kinds of patients and conditions. All these aspects would improve the chances of the drug to be approved by the agency and the FDA. << Uproar against the Government’s Proposed Quota 'Bubble Boy' Gene Therapy Causes Cancer? >> Recommended Reading Bulimia Nervosa The term ''Bulimia'' refers to episodes of uncontrolled excessive eating, known as "binges," followed by self-induced vomiting or purgation. READ MORE Clinical Trials - Different Phases of the trial Clinical trials serve as a vital component for improving the treatment of medical conditions as they lead to higher standards of patient care. READ MORE Drug Toxicity Drug toxicity is an adverse reaction of the body towards a drug that results as a side effect of a drug, reaction to a drug or drug abuse. READ MORE Liposuction Liposuction is a cosmetic procedure, which is used to suck out the excess or abnormal fat deposition to give a well-contoured shapely look. READ MORE Obesity Obesity is a condition where there is excess accumulation of body fat which poses a risk to the health of the individual. It can affect children and adults. READ MORE Most Popular on Medindia Find a Hospital Drug - Food Interactions Post-Nasal Drip More News on: Bariatric SurgeryDrug ToxicityObesityClinical Trials - Different Phases of the trialBulimia NervosaSignature Drug ToxicityLiposuction
Sanofi-Aventis SA new drug is called the Acomplia which the European Medicines Agency (EMEA) has recommended the drug for approval for weight loss. After this its shares rose 2.7%. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the drug for weight control. The chemical name of the drug is rimonabant and is now being recommended for overweight or obese patients. But Sanofi failed to win the approval of the agency, EU committee and FDA to make Acomplia available as an anti-smoking drug. But the FDA said it needed further information before approving it as a weight-loss tool. The drug has caused a lot of sensation as it attacks obesity. It was found that people on the drug ate less. In clinical trials the drug resulted in losing 16 pounds (7.3 kilograms) on average from people taking the optimal dose for two years, compared with 5.5 pounds (2.5 kilograms) for those who took dummy pills. But the European agency approved it only for obese patients who suffered from related problems, like abnormal cholesterol levels or type 2 diabetes. Dr Luc Van Gaal, Professor of Diabetology at Antwerp University Hospital, Belgium said that the drug cannot be used by people for cosmetic reasons. Sanofi also says that the trials show that the drug has the ability to reduce heart disease risk-factors. The company is conducting further studies aimed at extending its use to other kinds of patients and conditions. All these aspects would improve the chances of the drug to be approved by the agency and the FDA. << Uproar against the Government’s Proposed Quota 'Bubble Boy' Gene Therapy Causes Cancer? >> Recommended Reading Bulimia Nervosa The term ''Bulimia'' refers to episodes of uncontrolled excessive eating, known as "binges," followed by self-induced vomiting or purgation. READ MORE Clinical Trials - Different Phases of the trial Clinical trials serve as a vital component for improving the treatment of medical conditions as they lead to higher standards of patient care. READ MORE Drug Toxicity Drug toxicity is an adverse reaction of the body towards a drug that results as a side effect of a drug, reaction to a drug or drug abuse. READ MORE Liposuction Liposuction is a cosmetic procedure, which is used to suck out the excess or abnormal fat deposition to give a well-contoured shapely look. READ MORE Obesity Obesity is a condition where there is excess accumulation of body fat which poses a risk to the health of the individual. It can affect children and adults. READ MORE Most Popular on Medindia Find a Hospital Drug - Food Interactions Post-Nasal Drip More News on: Bariatric SurgeryDrug ToxicityObesityClinical Trials - Different Phases of the trialBulimia NervosaSignature Drug ToxicityLiposuction