Wonder pill for slimmers on the NHS

A 'wonder pill' that helps patients lose weight and give up smoking could be available on the NHS next year.

Clinical trial results show the multi-purpose drug cuts bodyweight by up to 10 per cent within a year as well as doubling the success rate of smokers trying to quit.

The drug, called Accomplia, could also slash the toll of heart disease by boosting 'healthy' blood fats and cutting dangerous ones.

Millions could benefit from the potential blockbuster, as more than half the adult population is obese or overweight.

Accomplia is made by the French pharmaceutical firm Sanofi-Aventis which is applying for licences to market it early in 2006 in Europe and the U.S. It is also known by its generic name Rimonabant.

The Government's drug rationing body, the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence, will have to approve the drug for widespread use on the NHS to avoid postcode prescribing.

Dr David Haslam, chairman of the UKbased National Obesity Forum, an independent medical organisation, said it was likely NICE would approve it.

Although the cost of the drug has not yet been decided, Dr Haslam said it was 'too expensive' not to treat obesity.

He added: 'The economic case for treating obesity is so good. It can cost tens of thousands of pounds to treat a heart-attack survivor, or one person having a stroke, which was caused by

the health problems related to obesity. The cost of obesity drugs is a drop in the ocean by comparison.'

He said the multi-purpose drug would also save the NHS money by allowing patients to come off drugs for single conditions, such as blood pressure.

Results from a clinical trial published today in The Lancet medical journal show that taking a daily 20mg pill of Accomplia resulted in 40 per cent of overweight patients losing 10 per cent of their bodyweight.

In the trial of 1,500 patients in six European countries, a similar number lost 5 per cent of their bodyweight. Onethird of patients took a dummy pill but

'Case for treating obesity is so good' only 12 per cent of them lost a tenth of their bodyweight - and they were more likely to drop out of the trial.

Most patients taking part had potbellies, carrying a high level of abdominal fat that increases the risk of cardiovascular disease.

The drug increased levels of HDL, the protective good cholesterol, but triglycerides (harmful blood fats) fell.

Those who took the drug were also better able to control their blood sugar levels. All the patients were asked to cut back by 600 calories a day but researchers said this accounted for only half the weight loss, which was as high as 20lb. Side-effects included minor nausea, diarrhoea, dizziness and vomiting.

Scientists had hoped that the pill could stop the craving for alcohol. However, this has never been proven in trials although benefits to patients who drink too much are still being investigated.

Since the study was carried out, further trial data on two years' use has been released showing that much of the weight loss was maintained.

One in three patients lost 10 per cent of their body weight and 3in off their waists. Previous research found one third of heavy smokers treated for ten weeks stopped smoking.

Dr Haslam said: 'The weight loss is very significant, yet it is only part of the benefits. Most importantly, there is a big reduction in waist circumference which is a marker for visceral fat in the abdomen, which is particularly dangerous. It pours out poisonous substances which push up cardiovascular risk.'

Accomplia is the first of a new class of drugs called selective CB1 blockers. It works by blocking the primeval circuitry in the brain that regulates cravings.

Dr Haslam said it appeared the drug can be taken long-term, and some patients may need to use it for life.