Russ
McGillivray
Natural
Products Chemistry
Rimonabant: Another Marijuana Virtue
1.
Rimonabant is a
synthetic analog of TetraHydroCannabinol, which differs in it structure so,
that it acts as a central cannabinoid (CB1) antagonist in the mid-brain. Rather than natural cannabinoids produced in
the body, or exogenous ones, both which bind and enforce a positive signal in
the receptors, Rimonabant (SR141716) binds to the same receptor and sends a
negative signal. The structure of
Rimonabant was not specifically listed, but chances are the molecule is quite
similar to the common Delta – 9 THC which is C21H302O. THC contains a monoterpene (C10) unit,
attached to a phenolic ring with a C5 alkyl chain. Rimonabants structure and formula probably is similar, but rather
than activating CB receptor to stimulate appetite in the hypothalamus,
Rimonabant stops these receptors from sending such signals. The source of the natural product THC is the
Cannabis Sativa herb.
2.
Rimonabant was
discovered only a few years ago, by a French company named Sanofi –
Synthelabo. Gerard Le Fur is currently
the head of production and testing of Rimonabant in Sanofi – Synthelabo, and
hopes that the drugs will have passed all clinical trails and be on the market
for smoking cessation and weight loss by early 2004. This is sort of a wonder drugs in that it can be used as a weight
loss drug and a smoking cessation drug, and since most people gain weight when
they quite smoking, this drug may prove to be very beneficial. Rimonabant has also been shown to inhibit
the mental need for alcohol, and should begin testing of it effectiveness
soon. Rimonabant is the first of its
kind of drugs; central cannabinoid antagonist.
3.
Rimonabant began is
clinical phase III tests in August of 2002 and are still in progress now. The results look promising, but the
long-term results are still unknown. In
earlier clinical tests, Rimonabant showed a 200% in smoking cessation over
placebo in a group of 180, and a 2.5% weight loss versus the 2.5% weight gain
by placebo. The results have shown that
Rimonabant has shown sinificant benefit as a weight loss and smoking cessation
drug. The drugs is currently being
tested for its efficiency as a long-term weight loss aid now. Sales are predicted to be 1.4 billion by the
year 2010. The mechanism of the drug is
to turn off the cannabinoid or hunger receptors in the hypothalamus by
antagonizing the receptors.
4.
Today, smoking and
obesity are the two overwhelming leaders in the cause for preventable disease
in the United States and in the world.
Obesity has increased over 75% in the last two decades, and the increase
in heart disease, stroke and diabetes are there to back up the health effects
associated with obesity. Developing a
drug, which may contibute significantly to the decrease in tobacco consumption
and to help achieve a healthy weight, is a responsible investment. This drug could save lives and save pocket
books.
5.
Sources:
www.en.sanofi-synthelabo.com/rd/strategy/p_rd_strategy_explorating.asp
Dewick, M. Paul. Medicinal Natural Products. A Biosynthetic Approach. Second Edition. John Wiley & Sons, LTD., West Sussex, England, 2002. Pages 84-87.