The drug also has potential as a treatment for smoking cessation because the endocannabinoid system is involved in the body’s response to tobacco dependence.

Acomplia (rimonabant) has been available in Europe since the middle of 2006, following regulatory approval by the EMEA in June 2006 for its use as an adjunct to diet and exercise for obese or overweight patients with associated risk factors, such as type 2 diabetes or dyslipidaeamia. However, it has had a less easy passage through the US regulatory system.

Filed for approval with the FDA in April 2005, it has encountered significant delays over the past two years. In February 2007, the company learnt that the FDA had extended their decision on whether or not to approve Acomplia by a further 3 months. Despite the repeated setbacks, analysts remain optimistic that it will eventually be approved in the US as an aid to weight loss