An obesity drug described in research data in 2004 was hailed as a wonder drug that would provide a solution to the epidemic of overweight-related health problems around the world.

The report created incredible buzz for the drug, Acomplia, which promised not only to help people lose weight but also to raise good cholesterol and cut diabetes risk.

The drug is looking less like a miracle today, this article reports. "The drug still hasn't hit the market in the U.S. The Food and Drug Administration has asked for more data and repeatedly put off approval for the drug as an obesity treatment....," the article says. "Side effects associated with Acomplia -- including depression and anxiety -- are likely giving the FDA particular cause for concern, analysts and doctors say."

The drug maker, Paris-bsed Sanofi, said this week that the FDA has scheduled a meeting of outside advisors in June to review the safety and efficacy of the drug. This may lead to a final decision on Acomplia. The drug also faces an uncertain future in Europe, where it has been approved for limited numbers of patients.