Obesity drug also helps diabetics, study suggests
GG2.NET NEWS [01/11/2006]
One pill, two health benefits
RIMONABANT, a new drug that has generated huge excitement for its apparent effectiveness against obesity, also helps reduce health risks for diabetics, a trial says.
The drug reduced bodyweight and improved control over blood glucose and blood fats among people with Type 2 diabetes, according to the study, published online by the British health journal The Lancet.
Type 2 diabetes is a potentially life-threatening condition and usually emerges in adulthood.
The study recommends a 20mg daily dose of Rimonabant, in addition to diet and exercise, for obese Type-2 diabetics.
Rimonabant is made by Sanofi-Aventis, the French pharmaceutical giant, which also sponsored the study.
The drug is the first in a new generation of treatments called cannabinoid type 1 receptor blockers, which inhibit brain cells that demand food, alcohol, nicotine and other pleasure-giving substances.
It was licensed by the European Union (EU) in June for use as weight-loss pill, in conjunction with a diet and exercise regime, for people diagnosed as obese and at risk from diabetes. The drug is marketed in Europe as Acomplia.
In the US, though, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has taken a more cautious line, asking Sanofi in February for more information before making a decision on licensing. Details of this request have not been disclosed.
The excitement over Rimonabant has also prompted calls for caution.
Critics say that not enough is known about the so-called endocannabinoid system to say confidently why Rimonabant works and to be sure that there are no effects elsewhere on the metabolism.
Drugs that are hailed as blockbusters after being tested among a few thousand people are sometimes found to have unexpected physical or psychological side effects when used by millions over a period of years.
Weight loss pill helps diabetics 
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