Rimonabant-a selective CB1 endocannabinoid receptor antagonist

Rimonabant(Acomplia)is a selective cannabinoid receptor antagonist.Recent data have demonstrated beneficial effects of rimonabant in obesity,smoking cessation,and metabolic syn- drome.It is the only endocannabinoid receptor antagonist in clinical development and thus offers a unique therapeutic approach to appetite control and weight reduction.The drug also has the potential for the treatment of smoking cessation because the endocannabinoid system is involved in the body's response to tobacco dependence.The pharmacological effect and pharmacotherapeutics of rimonabant are summarized in this paper.