At the recent European Society of Cardiology Congress, investigators reported on the results of a quality of life study among patients enrolled in a randomized clinical trial comparing rimonabant to placebo.
Rimonabant is an investigational drug, being developed by Sanofi-Aventis, aimed at helping patients lose weight and quit smoking. Early trials with rimonabant have been promising. ( Click here to read about these trials.)
In this trial, patients receiving either rimonabant or placebo were asked to fill out a 31-item Quality of Life questionnaire. On average, all 7 measured quality of life features were improved among patients taking rimonabant. These measures included physical function, self-esteem, sexual life, public distress, work, sleep, and food cravings.
Investigators also noted, however, some negative effects. Two patients suffered amnesia while taking rimonabant, a condition that apparently resolved once the drug was stopped. Further, mood disorders (such as depression) were higher among patients randomized to rimonabant.
Whether drugs like rimonabant, which operate on the endocannabinoid system, might negatively impact one's mood and and psychiatric state, has been a concern. This latest trial suggests that, while on average patients feel significantly better on this drug, there are likely to be some patients who do poorly. The incidence and degree of these negative effects remain to be determined, and are likely to be the major hurdles in the ultimate approval of rimonabant.
NOTE: An update of this article, with the latest information, is now available here.
