Pfizer’s new smoking drug “a significant advancement”

Pfizer has said its new anti-smoking prescription drug – the first new prescription medication for smoking in almost a decade – marks a “significant advancement” in anti-smoking treatments.

The drug, Chantix, underwent a comprehensive trial process. In one of the trials, the odds of someone quitting after 12 weeks were four times greater for someone taking Chantix instead of the placebo. In another trial, researchers found that Chantix users were twice as likely to stop smoking during the same period in comparison to Zyban users. In both studies, 44 per cent of Chantix users stopped smoking by the end of the trial.

Pfizer says Chantix partially stimulates the nicotinic receptors while reducing the craving for smoking. It adds that if someone smokes a cigarette while using the treatment, their satisfaction gained from the cigarette will be diminished.

Dr Cheryl Oncken, Chantix clinical investigator and associate professor of medicine at the University of Connecticut, said: “These results suggest Chantix is a significant advancement.”

“It is never too late to quit smoking. People who quit smoking before the age of 50 have one-half the risk of dying of a smoking-related illness in the next 15 years compared to those who continue smoking. Patients who are unable to quit on their own should consider seeking medical support and treatment,” she added

According to anti-smoking group Ash, approximately 12 million Britons still smoke – 28 per cent of men and 24 per cent of women. It adds that 450 children start smoking every day and 114,000 people die each year as a consequence of smoking.

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