Pfizer reports NICE backing for smoking-cessation drug

Pfizer has announced that the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) in the UK has published its draft recommendation that Champix (varenicline) be used on the NHS by those who have stated a wish to quit smoking.

NICE has in its final appraisal determination reported that varenicline is superior to nicotine replacement therapy and administration with bupropion as a means of achieving abstinence in smokers.

It added that use of the compound to achieve smoking cessation will in fact be a cost-effective use of NHS funds.

Champix is believed to reduce the severity of the desire to smoke and operates by targeting the receptor in the human body to which nicotine binds.

Jack Watters, vice-president of international medical affairs at Pfizer, said: “This guidance in the UK recognises the efficacy and cost-effectiveness of Champix and encourages physicians and smokers to consider this treatment as a new treatment option to help smokers quit smoking.”

He added that the timing of this recommendation is appropriate, coming in advance of World No Tobacco Day today, while the UK will ban smoking in public places on July 1st 2007.

NICE reports that this decision is subject to an appeal from relevant parties, with final guidance on the issue to be published in July 2007.