[New drugs; rimonabant].

The endocannabinoid system controls the regulation of food intake and appetite in the brain and lipogenesis in adipose tissue. Rimonabant belongs to the new drug class of cannabinoid-1 receptor antagonists. It can decrease appetite and food intake and thus stimulate weight loss. Rimonabant is indicated for severe obesity and as an adjunct to lifestyle modifications for obese patients with type 2 diabetes or hyperlipidaemia. Safety concerns limit the clinical applicability of the drug. The drug has not been approved in the US due to its neurological and psychiatric adverse effects. Rimonabant is approved in Europe but is contraindicated in patients with major depression and those taking antidepressants.