Chantix, the first new prescription aid to smoking cessation treatment approved by the FDA in nearly a decade, was approved in May 2006.
According to the company, there are 45 million adult smokers in the US, but approximately 70% say they want to quit.
It is believed that Chantix binds to the same receptors to which nicotine would bind, but Chantix appears to activate the receptors to a much lesser extent. Also, if a person does smoke while taking Chantix, the drug may block the nicotine from binding and lessen nicotine’s effects.
“By developing Chantix to help people quit smoking, we hope to take a positive step toward improving the health of smokers, their families and friends, and society in general,” said Karen Katen, Pfizer vice chairman and president of Pfizer Human Health.
Those who are prescribed Chantix will also be offered the opportunity to enroll in a behavioral modification program called the GETQUIT Support Plan at no additional cost. The plan was developed by Pfizer with input from smoking cessation experts.