WASHINGTON — Federal health advisors unanimously rejected a weight-loss drug Wednesday after hearing testimony that it increases the risk of suicidal thoughts, even in patients without a history of depression.
The manufacturer, Sanofi-Aventis, further failed to show that the drug rimonabant is safe, the panel said.
Two 14-0 votes by the expert panel made it unlikely that the Food and Drug Administration would approve the drug. The agency usually follows its panel's advice, but it isn't required to do so.
