TRENTON, N.J. -- Sanofi-Aventis, a drug-maker based in Paris, said yesterday that it is stopping all research on a diet drug sold in Europe, Acomplia. Rival Pfizer Inc., based in New York, said hours later that it is stopping research on a weight-loss drug in the same class.
Both drugs work by blocking the pleasure centers that give marijuana smokers the "munchies" -- the cannabinoid type 1, or CB1, receptors.
Just four years ago, scientists were promoting Acomplia as a Holy Grail of medical research, saying that it showed promise in helping people lose weight, control blood sugar and other aspects of diabetes, lower cholesterol, quit smoking, and stop abusing alcohol, marijuana and cocaine. But problems began cropping up as psychiatric side effects emerged in various studies of the drug.
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