Twin target for obesity drug

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."

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.