Skip to main content

Acomplia

Generic name: rimonabant
Company: Sanofi-Aventis

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Aug 22, 2023.

Sanofi-Aventis has withdrawn rimonabant from the market globally and it is no longer under development.1 Acomplia was officially withdrawn by the European Medicines Agency (EMEA) in January 2009 due to the risks of dangerous psychological side effects, including suicidality. Previously, the EMEA had suspended Acomplia from the UK market in 2008 because the agency felt the benefits did not outweigh the risks. In June of 2007, the FDA's Endocrine and Metabolic Drugs Advisory Committee recommended against the approval of rimonabant (known in the United States as Zimulti) due to concerns over similar serious side effects. Subsequently, the FDA did not approve rimonabant, and it has never been marketed in the United States.

What is Acomplia?

How does Acomplia work?

What is Acomplia used for?

Does Acomplia also aid smoking cessation?

What were the results of Acomplia clinical trial studies?

References:

  1. Personal Communication. Sanofi-Aventis Medical Information Department. Rimonabant availability. September 12, 2011
  2. Pagotto U. Pasquali R. Fighting obesity and associated risk factors by antagonising cannabinoid type 1 receptors. Lancet. 2005; 365: 1363-64.
  3. Van Gaal LF, Rissanen, AM, Scheen AJ, Ziegler O, Rössner S for the RIO-Europe Study Group. Effects of the cannabinoid-1 receptor blocker rimonabant on weight reduction and cardiovascular risk factors in overweight patients: 1-year experience from the RIO-Europe study. Lancet. 2005; 365: 1389-97.
  4. Marzo V, et al. Leptin-regulated endocannabinoids are involved in maintaining food intake. Nature. 2001;410:822-825.
  5. Déspres, J.P. et al. Effect of Rimonabant on Body Weight and the Metabolic Syndrome in Overweight Patients. New England Journal of Medicine, November, 16, 2005.
  6. Van Gaal L, et al. Effects Of The Cannabinoid-1 Receptor Blocker Rimonabant On Weight Reduction And Cardiovascular Risk Factors In Overweight Patients: 1-Year Experience From The RIO-Europe Study. The Lancet. 365;1389-1397.
  7. Acomplia Summary of Product Characteristics

Sources:

Rimonabant Accepted for Filing By the FDA June 23, 2005

Sanofi-aventis Received from the FDA an Approvable Letter for Rimonabant for Weight Management and a Non Approvable Letter for Smoking Cessation February 17, 2006

Weight Loss Drug Zimulti (rimonabant) Can Cause Serious Physical and Psychological Harm and Birth Defects, Public Citizen Tells FDA June 13, 2007

Sanofi-Aventis to Discontinue Rimonabant Trials for All Indications June 11, 2008

More about Acomplia (rimonabant)

Patient resources

Other brands

Zimulti

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.