Smoking is the largest preventable cause of death in the United States.[1] There are estimated to be 1.3 billion smokers worldwide,[2] of which 44.5 million are in the US.[1] Of the US smokers, 8.6 million have at least one serious illness due to smoking.[1] The worldwide economic cost of tobacco consumption is estimated to be $50 billion per year.[3]
Despite the known health risks associated with smoking, quitting is difficult due to the highly addictive power of nicotine in tobacco. Quitting smoking commonly causes symptoms such as dizziness, depression, irritability, and sleep disturbances. Seventy percent of adults who smoke in the U.S. and 38 percent of international smokers want to quit,[2], but only only 3 to 5 percent of smokers successfully quit each year with willpower alone. [4] Pfizer's Chantix is the leading and only branded smoking cessation aid currently on the market -- however, the drug has been linked to psychotic behavior and it's efficacy is limited.[5]
[edit] Drugmakers help smokers quit
- Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) works by delivering nicotine in a controlled manner to curb urges and is available in numerous over the counter patches, inhalers, gums, and lozenges with brand names such as Commit, Habitrol, Nicoderm, and Nicorette. NRT formulations are available in different amounts of nicotine content, allowing smokers to decrease their nicotine intake gradually. Because these treatments also contain nicotine, users may quit smoking but develop a new dependence for the NRT product and the risk of relapse is high. Nevertheless, NRT is considered a much safer alternative to smoking because it does not contain the tars and toxins of tobacco smoke.
- GlaxoSmithKline - Zyban (bupropion) is the antidepressant Wellbutrin repackaged as a smoking cessation drug and works by supressing the patient's urge to smoke. The drug has been available as a generic since 2004. Combined Zyban and generic sales are estimated to be $20-25 million per year.[2]
- Pfizer - Chantix (varenicline) is the newest and only branded anti-smoking drug on the market. Launched in 2006, Chantix works by stimulating the nicotine receptor to alleviate withdraw symptoms and by binding to the receptor to block the effects of smoking. The drug is not overwhelming -- after 52 weeks, only 21 percent of smokers remained abstinent -- but is more effective than bupropion and NRT.[2] With little competition and a huge medical need, Chantix has been touted as the company's next blockbuster, and sales have picked up with $883 million in 2007. However, Chantix has been plagued by negative media after it was linked it to accidents, vision problems, heart problems, and suicidal ideation. Although further studies are needed to determine whether the problems are caused by the drug itself or are symptoms of nicotine withdraw,[5] new prescriptions of Chantix have dropped by half since January and the company has launched a media campaign to emphasize the benefits of quitting smoking over risks of Chantix.[6]
[edit] New anti-smoking drugs in development
- Novartis is developing a nicotine vaccine that uses the body's immune system to create antibodies that binds to nicotine molecules and prevent them from crossing the blood-brain barrier. Phase II studies have been promising, showing a 42 percent abstinence rate at 12 months.[2] Phase III trials are expected in 2008.
[edit] Big tobacco loses out
[edit] References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 FDA Approves Novel Medication for Smoking Cessation.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 Cowen and Company. "Therapeutics Categories Outlook." March 2008.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 Life Sciences Biotechnology. "Smoking cessation market: non-nicotine based approaches are best positioned." September 27, 2007.
- ↑ Hughes JR, Keely J, Naud S. Shape of the relapse curve and long-term abstinence among untreated smokers. Addiction 2004;99(1):29-38.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 Pfizer stock down again as Chantix takes its toll.
- ↑ Pfizer's Full-Court Press to Save Chantix.
