Varenicline
- Generic Name
- Varenicline
- Brand Names
- Champix, Chantix, Tyrvaya
- Drug Type
- Small Molecule
- Chemical Formula
- C13H13N3
- CAS Number
- 249296-44-4
- Unique Ingredient Identifier
- W6HS99O8ZO
- Background
Varenicline is a prescription medication used to treat smoking addiction. This medication is the first approved nicotinic receptor partial agonist. Specifically, varenicline is a partial agonist of the alpha4/beta2 subtype of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor. In addition it acts on alpha3/beta4 and weakly on alpha3beta2 and alpha6-containing receptors. A full agonism was displayed on alpha7-receptors.
On March 9, 2015, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration warned that Varenicline, in the form of Pfizer Inc's quit-smoking drug, Chantix, has been associated with seizures and that some patients who drink while taking the drug may become aggressive or black out. Pfizer is conducting an additional safety study of the drug, results of which are expected in late 2015. The FDA said it is keeping the black box in place at least until the results of the trial are announced.
- Indication
For use as an aid in smoking cessation.
Varenicline as a nasal spray is indicated for the symptomatic treatment of dry eye disease.
- Associated Conditions
- Dry Eye Syndrome (DES)
- Associated Therapies
- Smoking, Cessation
Want to quit vaping this year? Here's what the evidence shows so far about effective strategies
Many seek to quit vaping but lack guidance. A 2025 report highlights text-message interventions and varenicline as promising strategies, especially for youth. Vaping is less harmful than smoking but still risky. Recommendations are limited due to insufficient evidence, suggesting a combination of medication and behavioral support may help.
Experts reveal the best way you can quit vaping if you want to improve your health this year
Vaping, though seen as a smoking alternative, poses risks and quitting is challenging. Research suggests varenicline, a prescription drug, and text message interventions are effective for quitting vaping, especially among youth. However, evidence is limited, calling for further research. Varenicline, effective for smoking cessation, may also aid vaping cessation.
Dry Eye Disease Therapeutics Market Size In The 7MM Is Expected To Increase By 2034, Estimates Delveinsight
The Dry Eye Disease market is projected to grow significantly by 2034, with the US leading in market size. Prevalence increases with age, affecting more females. Key companies like Alcon and Novaliq are developing therapies, including CEQUA and TYRVAYA, targeting tear production and inflammation. Emerging treatments like Reproxalap and Tivanisiran show promise in addressing symptoms and underlying mechanisms of dry eye disease.
What is duloxetine and how does it work? What to know about antidepressant recalled by FDA
Duloxetine, sold under the brand name Cymbalta, was recalled due to the presence of a potentially cancer-causing nitrosamine, N-nitrosoduloxetine. Over 233,000 bottles were recalled by Rising Pharmaceuticals, with the FDA classifying it as a class II risk, indicating temporary or reversible health consequences. Duloxetine, an SNRI, is used to treat depression, pain, and anxiety by increasing neurotransmitters in the brain.
FDA recalls more than 233,000 bottles of antidepressant over possible cancerous chemical
Over 233,000 bottles of duloxetine, an antidepressant, recalled due to cancer risk from nitrosamine impurity. FDA classified it as Class II risk, indicating potential for temporary or reversible health issues. Patients advised to consult healthcare professionals for alternatives.
Dry Eye Syndrome Treatment (Evaporative, Aqueous Deficient)
The Dry Eye Syndrome Treatment Market is projected to reach USD 10.13 billion by 2030, driven by increased screen use, aging population, and eye disease prevalence. Evaporative dry eye syndrome dominates due to high screen time. OTC products lead, with prescription therapies underutilized. Market challenges include product tolerability issues and regulatory hurdles. Innovations and strategic initiatives by key players, like the FDA approval of Tyrvaya nasal spray, are boosting the market. North America leads due to high disease prevalence and treatment awareness.
The UK's NHS to roll out free antismoking pill. Will it work?
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'.
Could Ozempic Help Treat Substance Use Disorder?
Ozempic and other GLP-1 agonists, initially for diabetes, show promise in treating addiction by reducing appetite and cravings, aligning with brain mechanisms of motivation and reward. Clinical trials are ongoing to confirm their efficacy in addiction treatment.
Sunshine Biopharma announces Nora Pharma launch of two new generic drugs
Sunshine Biopharma's subsidiary, Nora Pharma Inc., launched generic Varenicline (Champix) for smoking cessation and Betahistine (Serc) for vertigo, available in various formats. Nora Pharma aims for growth with Sunshine Biopharma's support.
Millions of Americans want to quit smoking. Critics say drugmakers and the FDA are failing them
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.
Drug Development Updates
Stay informed with timely notifications on clinical trials, regulatory changes, and research advancements related to this medication.
© Copyright 2025. All Rights Reserved by MedPath