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Acomplia and Surgery Should be a last Option says UK Panel December 22, 2006 A panel in the U.K government which assesses the cost effectiveness of various medical therapies states that diet drugs like Acomplia (rimonbant) or surgery should be the last option available to treat obesity. Obesity is one of the serious health hazard which is prevalent today and is creating a serious of health issues. The statement which has been put forward by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence, which advises the National Health Service on which drugs should be provided to patients, cannot come as much comfort to Sanofi-Aventis, which is hoping the NHS will ultimately decide to provide obese patients with Acomplia. While Acomplia has been on the market in the U.K. since early summer, a final decision by NICE on whether its cost should be covered by the NHS may be as much as two years away. Britain's Primary Care Trusts -- the local NHS entities that provide guidance to general practitioners and pharmacists -- are not expected to make Acomplia widely available until it is approved by NICE. Peter Littlejohns, NICE's clinical and public health director stated that "Obesity is the most serious threat to the future health of our nation,'' urgent action is required to treat the problem of obesity as its risks are as severe as smoking". But the new guidelines published by NICE call for local authorities to establish cycling and walking routes, make streets cleaner, and ensure that building designs help people to be more active. Schools should encourage children to maintain a healthy weight and eat well, while individuals are encouraged to change their diet and exercise habits. Surgery should be considered as a last resort or should be completely
avoided as far as obese adults go. The drugs are known to be recommended
only if the patient suffers from complex factors such as a psychological
condition or sleep apnea - according to the new NICE treatment guidelines.
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