Following approval by the European medicine agency (EMES) in June 2006 Rimonabant also known by its brand name Acomplia was made available in Europe by the middle of 2006.This new age drug offers hope for modern ailments by focusing on inhibiting the CB1 receptor, one of the two receptors found in the Endocannabinoid system (or EC system.)This selective cannabinoid-1 receptor (CB1) blocker has been shown to reduce body weight and improve related ailment risk factors in obese patients.
Rimonabant concentrated on working on the central cannibinoid ( CB1) receptors, by blocking the signals these receptors give out. The active signals of the (CB1) receptors which exist in the brain and fat cells are thought to be largely responsible for the obese individuals urge to overeat. Acomplia, as a selective CB1 cannibinoid receptor blocker has proved it’s efficacy to suppress the appetite and thereby guarantee weight reduction. This composition which has its roots in the research to identify the hunger pangs in cannabis addicts holds the promise of being the most effective of the drugs in this category.
The drug marketed as Acomplia in European countries will be sold under the name Zimulti in the United States. The new name Zimulti was decided on, as the name Acomplia was thought to be too descriptive, with a possible hint that this new anti-obesity drug would accomplish its therapeutic target. The patent for this drug which is held by Sanofi- Zanofis would run for some more years. However the drug has started coming out in India where the manufacturers hold that the Patent does not apply.
Availability of the drug without the mandatory checks is not approved of as the information on the efficacy of the drug manufactured by these companies is not known. Obesity with its global impact has seen twin off-shoots of desperation and the rise of smuggled crossovers of the medicine. Most doctors while frowning on disreputable sources, selling the drug without the relevant literature, otherwise see this medication as a suitable alternative for those who require a medical solution. Conducted clinical trials have show that those taking a 20mg dosage had a considerable weight loss of up to 6.5kgs a year.
Clinical trials also showed decrease in waist circumference, increased insulin tolerance and increase in HDL cholesterol. Those on a 5mg dose also showed similar effect, but to a much lesser degree. The decrease in waist circumference averaged to around 5cms and the increase in HDL cholesterol around 9%. Medications work differently on individuals and so do side effects. The extent of the side effects varies from person to person. The side effects noticed were nausea, anxiety and depression. Among clinical trial participants, familiarity with the drug was seen to gradually reduce these effects. Pregnant women and people with a history of mental illness or under treatment pertaining to the central nervous system should avoid this medicine. There have been some cases of side effect intolerance forcing discontinuance of the medication. Overall the impression is positive as a majority of the research shows that Acomplia is helpful in weight reduction and its associated problems. If starting on this medication, like any drug this medicine too should be only be taken under a doctor’s guidance.