Diet Drug Report -- News about prescription and over-the-counter diet drugs

Diet drug rimonabant (Acomplia / Zimulti) is now available in the United Arab Emirates for treatment of abdominally obese patients with cardiometabolic risk factors, according to a June 4th announcement by developer Sanofi-Aventis.

This is the first announced launch of Acomplia in the Middle East. The drug has been available for almost a year in Europe, and also is on sale in Argentina, Brazil and Mexico.

A recent survey found that 37 percent of the UAE population is now obese -- one of the highest obesity rates in the Middle East, according to Sanofi.

"Among people who are overweight or obese, it is those with excess fat around their abdomen who are at the greatest risk of developing an abnormal lipid profile, type 2 diabetes and ultimately heart disease," said Dr. Wael Al Mahmeed, Vice President of the Emirates Cardiac Society.

"Rimonabant is an important advance in the treatment of cardio-metabolic risk factors which contribute to the global risk for diabetes and cardiovascular disease," Al Mahmeed added.

The launch of Acomplia will also feature an evening symposium for UAE doctors on the risks of abdominal obesity.