The FDA approved Campral (generic name: acamprosate) after studies showed that more subjects who were given the drug stayed away from alcohol, compared with those who were given a placebo.

The drug has been used in Europe for 15 years.

"While its mechanism of action is not fully understood, Campral is thought to act on the brain pathways related to alcohol abuse," the FDA wrote.

However, the FDA said that Campral might not be effective for people who are currently drinking when they start taking the drug, or for those who are misusing other substances.

Campral, which is manufactured by Lipha Pharmaceuticals, a subsidiary of German drug maker Merck KGaA, could be on the market by the end of this year. Forest Laboratories Inc. owns the licensing rights to sell the drug in the United States.

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