NICE recommends Sanofi Aventis' Obesity drug

by Michael McKenna

"The UK’s National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence on Wednesday issued final appraisal determination recommending that sanofi-aventis’ obesity drug, Acomplia (rimonabant), be made available on the NHS for certain patients. Sanofi-aventis noted that a final decision from NICE is expected in "due course."
The agency recommended that the compound be used as an adjunct to diet and exercise in overweight or obese patients who have not responded well, or are contraindicated, to other obesity drugs. NICE also recommended that the treatment should not be used for longer than six months unless the patient loses at least 5 percent of their initial body weight while taking the drug. Furthermore, the agency stated that Acomplia should not be used for longer than two years without a clinical assessment and discussion of the risks and benefits of the product with each patient".