21st June 2006. For most people, the day was just like any other day, holding not much importance. But for obese people in the UK, the day will be ever remembered. For on this day, Acomplia, the wonder drug for obesity was released for sale on prescription. Research on acomplia as a diet pill was going on for years. And all eyes were on when the wonder drug will be released.
After Fen-phen, Acomplia diet pill was the most anticipated drug and many overweight people had their trust clung on this drug to give them freedom from excessive fat. Therefore, news of approval of acomplia came like rain during a dry spell. It raised the hope that finally they can get rid of fat, which not only gave one a clumsy look but also made them susceptible to many diseases of the heart.
Acomplia is the brand name of Rimonabant. French pharmaceutical company Sanofi-Synthelabo, could easily sense the huge market for any such drug. In the UK, 46% of men and 32% of women have been reported overweight, i.e. who have a body mass index of 25-30 kg/m2. Moreover, 17% of men and 21% of women have been reported obese, i.e. with a body mass index of more than 30 kg/m2. US and Europe together...