Varenicline extinguishes the need for nicotine

The novel smoking cessation therapy varenicline [Champix] is more effective than bupropion [Zyban], according to phase III data presented at the 78th Annual Scientific Sessions of the American Heart Association (AHA) [Dallas, Texas, US; November 2005]. Results of two studies showed that more patients receiving varenicline, compared with bupropion, were able to successfully quit smoking after 12 weeks' treatment. Furthermore, at 1-year, varenicline recipients were more likely to remain smoke-free than bupropion or placebo recipients. In a third study, patients who received varenicline for 24 weeks had a greater chance of remaining smoke-free after 1 year than patients who received 12 weeks of therapy.