The world's third largest drug maker, French drug maker Sanofi-Aventis obesity drug, Acomplia (rimonabant) has approved to sell in Mexico. The first approval of the drug in North America. Acomplia Mexican approval has a diabetes indication, which is not included in the European label.

Acomplia is a weight loss drug launched to provide people to help for weight loss, smoking cessation and relief in metabolic syndrome. It is the first drug that target cardio metabolic risk factors such as abdominal obesity, insulin resistance, cholesterol and elevated triglycerides. It is qualified for use as an adjunct to diet and exercise for the treatment of obese patients or overweight patients with associated risk factors, such as type 2 diabetes or dyslipidaemia.

Mexico’s approval of Acomplia to treat diabetes is a wider use than permitted by regulators in Europe, where the drug is only prescribed as a weight-loss treatment. It’s estimated that around 40% of the adult population is obese in Mexico.

Sanofi-Aventis is already reimbursed for Acomplia in Sweden, Denmark and Ireland. The drug is still awaiting U.S. marketing approval. Acomplia (Rimonabant) works by affecting the endocannabinoid system which controls appetite and energy expenditure. It selectively blocks some receptors in the Endocannabinoid system, thus creating a better balance which in turn suppresses appetite and the longing to overeat. It needs to be taken each day before breakfast or as prescribed by Doctor.