Clinical trials led by a Belgian doctor have found that a new obesity drug called Acomplia (rimonabant) shows promise at helping the obese lose weight and reduce risk of heart disease.

The researchers say that 920 people completed the year-long trial, which also included a calorie-controlled diet. Of those given 20 milligrams of rimonabant, 67 percent lost at least 5 percent of their weight and 39 percent 10 percent at the end of a year.

But please don’t get too excited yet.

Remember the infamous wonder drug “fen phen” that ended up being recalled in 1997?

The introduction of fen phen to the market was also met with great anticipation and was immediately successful.

Indeed, it was deemed as the “miracle drug”.

But it did not take long for the estimated 6-7 million people that took fen phen to become adversely affected by the diet pill as fatal health complications were reported in high number.

So, will history repeat itself with Acomplia (rimonabant)?

Time will tell. And we need more long-term clinical studies to be done first.

I’ll definitely be staying on top of the latest developments regarding Acomplia. And you’ll be the first to know of whatever good (or bad) news that comes out.

Tracy

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