Cytisine

The UK's NHS is providing free varenicline, an antismoking pill, to 85,000 smokers, aiming to prevent 9,500 smoking-related deaths in five years. Varenicline, a reintroduced generic version of Champix, works as a nicotine receptor agonist, reducing cravings and withdrawal symptoms. The initiative is expected to save the NHS £2.5 billion annually by reducing smoking-related health issues. The drug has been approved in 116 countries and has helped millions quit smoking, with varying success rates. The UK government is also raising the legal age for buying tobacco products to create a 'smoke-free generation'.

Cytisine, a plant-based smoking cessation treatment effective and with fewer side effects than nicotine patches and gum, awaits FDA approval in the U.S. after more safety data was requested. Approved in Canada and the UK, it could help over 70,000 Americans quit smoking annually. Clinical trials by Achieve Life Sciences show positive outcomes, but FDA delays push back potential approval.

5 in 6 Americans who tried to quit smoking in 2022 failed, highlighting ineffective treatments and lack of innovation. Despite the addiction killing 480,000 annually, no new class of drugs has been approved in nearly two decades. Drugmakers and the FDA are criticized for lackadaisical approaches and stringent approval standards, focusing more on profitable drugs for rare cancers. Advocates call for a 'Reduce to Quit' approach and more flexible FDA standards to address the public health crisis.

A study by Krishna Reddy and Nancy Rigotti found that immediate availability of cytisine, a tobacco cessation medication, could lead to 71,000 more people quitting smoking and gaining over 500,000 life-years. Each year of FDA delay reduces these gains by 10,000 life-years, emphasizing the need for timely review and approval.

New review identifies varenicline, cytisine, and nicotine e-cigarettes as top methods to quit smoking, best when combined with counseling or behavioral support. Bupropion and nicotine replacement therapy are also effective, especially with fast-acting forms like gum. Published in 'Addiction,' the study highlights the importance of evidence-based cessation methods.