Product name: Rimonabant

CAS: 168273-06-1

Molecular formula: C22H21Cl3N4O

Molecular weight: 463.79

Description: Rimonabant (also known as SR141716; trade name Acomplia) ) is an anorectic antiobesity drug that has been withdrawn from the market. It was approved for use in Europe and other countries, but never approved in theUnited States. Rimonabant is an inverse agonist for the cannabinoid receptor CB1. Its main effect is reduction in appetite.

Shortly after market introduction, press reports and independent studies suggested side effects occurred more intensely and more commonly than shown by the manufacturer in their clinical studies. Resulting from drug actions at CB1 receptors in the brain, reports of severe depression and suicidal thoughts are frequent. As CB1 receptors are fairly ubiquitous throughout the central nervous system, it is not currently understood where exactly the inverse agonist is acting to cause these side-effects.