Sanofi-Aventis's acomplia, an anti-obesity drug, is under severe identity threat as its three generic versions have been creating waves in the Indian market.

The drug's generic versions recently are introduced by Zydus Cadila, Sun Pharmaceuticals, and Torrent Pharmaceutical respectively. All three generic versions are manipulating the fact that Indian legislation lends protection to only those patents which are registered since 1995. As the patent for Acomplia's Rimonabant molecule was listed in 1994, no legal action has been taken so far.

However, Sanofi is probing all latent legal options that can be initiated.

Meanwhile, Zydus spokesman asserts, "we also are planning to introduce acomplia generic versions in other countries in the near future provided that their legislation permits it.

Till now, Sanofi-Aventis has attained regulatory approval for Acomplia (Zimulti) in various European countries, along with variegating reimbursement levels from health insurance plans, and is still waiting for the US Food and Drug Administration approval which is slated to be finalized next month.