According to recent reports, Zimulti, an obesity drug manufactured by Sanofi-Aventis SA has been linked to an increase in suicidal thoughts in its consumers. Although the drug is not currently being sold in the U.S, an FDA advisory panel is set to discuss Zimulti Wednesday to consider whether its approval should be granted in the states.
Known generically as rimonabant, the drug already is sold in 18 countries under the name Acomplia.
FDA statisticians said the incidence of suicidal thoughts and behavior “was higher for 20-milligram rimonabant compared to placebo. Similarly, the incidence of psychiatric adverse events, neurological adverse events and seizures were consistently higher for rimonabant.”
Sanofi-Aventis on its website has maintained Zimulti’s benefits far outweight its detrimental effects.
We will see if the FDA agrees on Wednesday…stay tuned!
