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Rimonabant (brand name Acomplia) is an anorectic anti-obesity drug. It is a CB1 cannabinoid receptor antagonist. Its main avenue of effect is reduction in appetite. Rimonabant is currently being sold in the United Kingdom by Sanofi-Aventis and in Denmark by Sanofi-Synthelabo under the trade name Acomplia. It is believed, although not confirmed, that if the drug is approved in the United States, it will be sold under the trade name Zimulti.
Rimonabant is the first selective CB1 receptor blocker to be approved for use anywhere in the world. In Europe, it is indicated for use in conjunction with diet and exercise for patients with a body mass index greater than 30 kg/m2, or patients wih a BMI greater than 27 kg/m2 with associated risk factors, such as type 2 diabetes or dyslipidaemia. In the UK it has been available since the end of July, 2006.
Rimonabant may also be found to be effective in assisting some smokers to quit smoking. Sanofi-Aventis is currently conducting studies to determine the possible value of rimonabant in smoking-cessation therapy.
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