Sanofi-Aventis Response To Lancet Article On Acomplia (Rimonabant)

Below is a response from Sanofi-Aventis regarding an article that appeared in The Lancet about Acomplia (Rimonabant)??


"The meta-analyses published today in the Lancet and BMJ reflect the data previously published, and do not introduce any new information that doctors, sanofi-aventis and regulatory bodies have not already considered and acted upon. The articles summarise the recognised benefits of Acomplia on weight and multiple risk factors, including glycaemic control in those with diabetes.


The authors also report the well established side effect profile, including the psychiatric events that are already appreciated by clinicians who prescribe the product. They highlight that it is important to understand that patients who have been depressed are at risk from further episodes, and should therefore not be prescribed the product.


Since the launch of Acomplia, sanofi-aventis has worked closely to monitor safety, and in conjunction with clinicians and regulatory agencies has actively sought to ensure that treatment is prescribed to the right patient - those who need to reduce their weight as a health priority - whilst minimising use in the wrong patient, in particular excluding those who currently are or who have in the past been depressed.


We are delighted with the way that UK clinicians adopted this strategy into their practice when this recommendation was introduced by the EMEA in July 2007."


-- The Lancet article

-- en.sanofi-aventis