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Friday, 05 September 2008 | 14:17 UAE time

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Twin target for obesity drug

by ArabianBusiness.com staff writer on Tuesday, 04 December 2007

Obesity drug rimonabant is to be resubmitted to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a treatment for diabetes, Medical Times has learnt.

Sanofi-Aventis' medical director for Gulf countries, Dr Hisham Mahmoud, said the firm hoped to secure the new indication within the next 18 months.

"At the end of 2008 or the beginning of 2009 it will be resubmitted to the FDA as a drug for diabetics," announced Mahmoud. "Its prime clinical function will no longer be for weight loss."

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If the application is successful, volumes are likely to swell among the Middle East's diabetic population. The drug is already available for prescription in several GCC countries as an approved obesity treatment.

Rimonabant is the first CB1 receptor blocker to be approved for use anywhere in the world, but was rejected by the FDA due to concerns over suicidality, depression and other related side effects associated with use of the drug.

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USER COMMENTS (1 COMMENTS)

Fruits to fight obesity
Posted by Elson Silva PhD, Campinas, Brazil on 4 December 2007 at 16:40 UAE time


Fruits are low in calories and highly nutritional already grown on public places at increasing ratios to face obesity trends. Tree climbing also can be a body exercise for children harvesting fruits.

Other countries can join us on a fight against global obesity.

In Brazil we are suggesting to increase fruit trees in the public area and change our country to a large tropical orchard. Then, sidewalks, squares, parks, roadsides will be plenty of free fruits bearing the most delicious and appropriate food to fight obesity.

We believe Brazil can tackle obesity and be the leader on such fight. We intend the rural area conquer the cities make it full of fruits.
http://revver.com/watch/225528

Even carnivores can be convinced to eat more fruits:
http://revver.com/watch/218695

Why not humans can eat fruits for their own good?

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