A new weight loss drug that works by blocking a cannabinoid receptor in the brain has had “modest” success at helping people both lose weight and keep it off, researchers say. It also seemed to improve other risk factors for cardiovascular disease beyond what would be expected from weight loss alone.

Sanofi-Aventis, developer of Acomplia (rimonabant), told financial analysts on Jan. 30th it is "very, very confident" it will be permitted to begin selling the highly anticipated weight-loss drug in the United States in the spring of this year.

A new star seems to be shining in the diet pill sky: Acomplia, presently under development by the French pharmaceutical firm Sanofi-Aventis. Near-miraculous effects are claimed for it.