The next stage is for the government to
decide if it will follow this recommendation and then the
proportion of the cost to be refunded.
Germany has already decided its health care
system will not cover the cost of the potential blockbuster
drug, calling it a 'lifestyle' treatment.
The Transparency Committee said it is in
favor of reimbursements for obese
patients with type 2 diabetes that is insufficiently controlled
by a mono-therapy of metformin or sulfonylurea.
The treatment
of Acomplia should be in conjunction with physical activity
and a proper diet.
Sanofi-Aventis expects the US Food and Drug
Administration to make a decision on whether to approve the
sale of Acomplia by April 26.
It also plans to appeal the German decision
against refunds.
Argentina, Austria, Norway, Finland, Sweden,
Denmark, Ireland, England and Germany already have Acomplia
in circulation.