The primary study objective was to assess the efficacy of 2 fixed doses of rimonabant versus placebo on abstinence from tobacco use in cigarette smokers.

The secondary study objectives were:

• To evaluate the effects of rimonabant on craving and weight;
• To evaluate the clinical and biological safety and tolerability of rimonabant in a population of cigarette tobacco smokers during a 10-week treatment period
• To evaluate the population pharmacokinetics of rimonabant (ie, standard PK evaluation in the population of smokers);
• To observe the percentage of abstinent patients during a 40-week follow-up post treatment period;
• To evaluate quality of life (QOL) and pharmacoeconomics.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Smokers smoking at least 10 cigarettes/day (on average) in the 2 months preceding screening visit;
• Motivated to quit smoking (Motivation Scale Score above or equal to 6 on a 10-point scale).

Exclusion Criteria:

• Smoked or consumed more than 3 times within the 3 months immediately preceding the screening visit: non tobacco cigarettes or related products or any form of tobacco product other than cigarettes;

• Current and regular consumption of marijuana (hashish).

• Met current criteria on the MINI International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI) for any of the following psychiatric disorders/states: major depressive episode, dysthymia, suicidality, manic episode or hypomanic episode, panic disorder, agoraphobia, social phobia (social anxiety disorder), obsessive compulsive disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder, alcohol dependence or abuse, substance dependence or abuse (excluding nicotine or caffeine), anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, or generalized anxiety disorder;

• Met lifetime criteria on the MINI for manic episode or hypomanic episode, or psychotic disorders;

• Carried a diagnosis of, or suspicion of any cognitive disorder (eg, delirium, dementia, amnestic disorder) or any other psychiatric or developmental disorder as defined by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fourth Edition (DSM-IV) that may interfere with his/her ability to understand or complete study related procedures;

• Had a history of severe depression, ie, those who have required hospitalization, or patients with 2 or more recurrent episodes of depression, or a history of multiple suicide attempts;

• Had used, within 3 months before the screening visit:

  • Nicotine replacement of any type for more than 3 days at the maximum prescribed dose, or
  • Behavioral and/or motivational counseling, therapy, support group, or other procedure intended to assist smoking cessation on more than 3 days, or
  • Bupropion (amphebutamone), or
  • Systemic long acting corticosteroids, or
  • Any therapy intended to treat or alleviate depressive symptoms (pharmacologic, somatic, or psychological) for more than 1 week.