Final results for a study of Sanofi-Aventis' anti-obesity drug Acomplia shows that about half of the people taking the drug over a two-year period achieved weight loss of 5 percent or more. The drug "promoted modest but sustained reductions in weight and waist circumference and favorable changes in cardiometabolic risk factors." About 3,000 patients took part in the study, which started in 2001. Early results were released in 2004. Researchers also noted that a high drop-out rate limited the value of the study. The FDA is reviewing Acomplia for market approval and analysts believe it has the potential to become the first anti-obesity blockbuster on the market, with sales of up to $3 billion a year. Patients taking part in the study combined doses of the drug with diet and exercise.

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