Rimonabant had all the early signs of a mega-blockbuster. But behind that shiny veneer was a drug with a serious risk profile-one that mimicked the suicidality rates of the SSRI class. That made rimonabant an enormous red flag for FDA reviewers. Why didn't Sanofi-Aventis see it coming?

The unanimous rejection of Sanofi-Aventis' obesity drug rimonabant by an FDA Advisory Committee in June hasn't put off the host of firms, large and small, seeking an answer to the obesity epidemic. Despite the many drug casualties in this area, still, it seems, no approach is ruled out.

A preview of the emerging health care companies profiled in the current, all-profiles issue of Start-Up. This month's profile groups are "Start-Ups in Obesity," "New Technologies for Infertility," and "New Zealand Biotech." Plus these Start-Ups Across Health Care: Intelect Medical, N Spine, and Solace Pharmaceuticals.