Start-Ups in Obesity

Last month, an FDA advisory committee unanimously rejected Sanofi-Aventis’ high-profile obesity drug rimonabant (Acomplia/Zimulti) due to concerns over depression side effects, even though the drug is approved and widely available (if not reimbursed) in Europe. The rejection was a huge blow to Sanofi, which was expecting billion dollar sales potential, and to many patients hoping for a more effective treatment. It also symbolized—and raised concerns over—rising safety thresholds at an FDA under increasing political pressure.

But none of this is putting off the host of pharmaceutical and biotech firms seeking the answer to the obesity...