Sanofi-aventis has announced that Acomplia 20mg (rimonabant), the first drug in a new therapeutic class, the selective cannabinoid-1 receptor antagonists, has now been included in the list of pharmaceutical products reimbursable by the Social Security, by virtue of a decree dated March 22, 2007, published in the Official Journal of the French Republic.

Acomplia is now reimbursable for obese patients (body mass index equal to or greater than 30kg/m2) with type 2 diabetes uncontrolled by monotherapy with metformin or a sulphonylurea, and whose HbA1c is in the range of 6.5 per cent-10 per cent. Treatment with Acomplia should be an adjunct to diet and physical activity.

For these patients Acomplia has a two-fold action: reduction in weight and waist circumference, and an improvement of the glucose and lipid metabolism. There is no alternative medication to Acomplia on the list of reimbursable drugs.

Acomplia will be available in pharmacies at a public price of 71.63 euros, including tax, for a 28-day course.