The Pharmaceutical Journal
Vol 280 No 7486 p76
26 January 2008

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Taranabant produces weight loss

Taranabant, an acyclic cannabinoid 1 receptor inverse agonist, can trigger weight loss in obese patients by increasing energy expenditure and reducing calorie intake, researchers have shown (Cell Metabolism 2008;7:68).

Over 12 weeks, 368 patients received placebo or taranabant. On doses of 0.5mg, 2mg, 4mg or 6mg, patients lost an average of 2.9kg, 3.9kg, 4.1kg and 5.3kg, respectively. Patients on placebo lost 1.2kg on average.

In separate studies taranabant 12mg reduced 24-hour calorific intake by 22 per cent and increased resting energy expenditure by 6 per cent.