First FDA-Approved Plant-Based Drug "Cytisinicline" Helps Smokers Quit E-Cigarettes

Innovation by 2FIRSTS.ai
May.07.2024
First FDA-Approved Plant-Based Drug "Cytisinicline" Helps Smokers Quit E-Cigarettes
Massachusetts General Hospital researchers have developed a plant-derived drug to help smokers quit e-cigarettes, awaiting FDA approval.

According to a report by JAMA Internal Medicine on May 6th, researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital in the United States have developed the first drug to help smokers quit e-cigarettes, a plant-based medication called "Cytisinicline". It is currently on track to receive approval from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

 

A new study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA Internal Medicine) has shown that a drug developed by a general hospital in Massachusetts, called Golden Thistle Alkaloid, has significant potential in aiding smoking cessation. The drug is expected to receive full approval from the FDA and become the first medication approved for helping individuals quit e-cigarettes. The co-authors of the study report that approximately 11 million American adults use e-cigarettes containing nicotine, with about half expressing a desire to quit smoking.

 

According to a new study, a double-blind randomized clinical trial involving 160 e-cigarette users who did not use traditional tobacco was conducted. During the 12-week trial, they were either given cytisine tablets or a harmless placebo. The results showed that those treated with cytisine were more likely to quit smoking by the ninth week compared to those taking the placebo (31.8% vs. 15.1%). The research team also found that there were very few, if any, side effects for participants who took cytisine tablets.

 

Nancy A. Rigotti, MD, director of the Tobacco Research and Treatment Center at Massachusetts General Hospital and professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School, stated, "In the United States, no medication has been approved for quitting e-cigarettes yet, and our research suggests that varenicline could fill this gap and help adults quit using e-cigarettes."

 

The magic of lobeline lies in its ability to bind with nicotine receptors in the brain cells of smokers, making it a promising medication for both smokers and e-cigarette users. While lobeline is seen as a hopeful treatment for tobacco and e-cigarette cessation, it will still require some time to receive full approval from the FDA.

 

During this process, many drugs ultimately fail to withstand the full course of testing. It is estimated that out of every 5000 to 10000 compounds that enter preclinical trials, only one eventually receives approval for use in patients.

 

In the development process, drugs need to go through many steps before they can reach the hands of patients. The development of new drugs or vaccines is a complex and rigorous process that may take several years. This process is conducted under strict regulation to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the medication. It includes various stages such as preclinical trials, Investigational New Drug (IND) studies, and clinical trials, before the drug can be prescribed by doctors to patients after FDA approval.

 

We welcome news tips, article submissions, interview requests, or comments on this piece.

Please contact us at info@2firsts.com, or reach out to Alan Zhao, CEO of 2Firsts, on LinkedIn


Notice

1.  This article is intended solely for professional research purposes related to industry, technology, and policy. Any references to brands or products are made purely for objective description and do not constitute any form of endorsement, recommendation, or promotion by 2Firsts.

2.  The use of nicotine-containing products — including, but not limited to, cigarettes, e-cigarettes, nicotine pouchand heated tobacco products — carries significant health risks. Users are responsible for complying with all applicable laws and regulations in their respective jurisdictions.

3.  This article is not intended to serve as the basis for any investment decisions or financial advice. 2Firsts assumes no direct or indirect liability for any inaccuracies or errors in the content.

4.  Access to this article is strictly prohibited for individuals below the legal age in their jurisdiction.

 

Copyright

 

This article is either an original work created by 2Firsts or a reproduction from third-party sources with proper attribution. All copyrights and usage rights belong to 2Firsts or the original content provider. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or any other form of unauthorized use by any individual or organization is strictly prohibited. Violators will be held legally accountable.

For copyright-related inquiries, please contact: info@2firsts.com

 

AI Assistance Disclaimer

 

This article may have been enhanced using AI tools to improve translation and editorial efficiency. However, due to technical limitations, inaccuracies may occur. Readers are encouraged to refer to the cited sources for the most accurate information.

We welcome any corrections or feedback. Please contact us at: info@2firsts.com

[2Firsts Special Report] EPO Enlarged Board of Appeal Issues Key Decision: China YTI Gains Procedural Advantage in Heated Tobacco Patent Dispute with Philip Morris
[2Firsts Special Report] EPO Enlarged Board of Appeal Issues Key Decision: China YTI Gains Procedural Advantage in Heated Tobacco Patent Dispute with Philip Morris
The EPO’s Enlarged Board of Appeal has issued decision G 1/24, confirming that claims must always be interpreted with reference to the description and drawings. This standard supports the position of China YTI in its heated tobacco patent dispute with Philip Morris, giving the Chinese company a procedural advantage. The case now returns to the Technical Board of Appeal for further review.
Jun.19
JTI Launches Limited Edition Ploom X Advanced in South Korea, Priced at Around $50
JTI Launches Limited Edition Ploom X Advanced in South Korea, Priced at Around $50
On July 1, JTI Korea launched the Ploom X Advanced Limited Edition Ora Ito Red, a red heat-not-burn device developed in collaboration with designer Ora Ito. The standalone device is priced at approximately $50.
Jul.01 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Philip Morris Korea Launches New ILUMA-Compatible HeatStick “Teria Twilight Pearl” on June 26
Philip Morris Korea Launches New ILUMA-Compatible HeatStick “Teria Twilight Pearl” on June 26
PMI Korea has launched a new Teria series heatstick, “Twilight Pearl,” featuring a unique capsule design that allows for a flavor shift, catering to the taste preferences of adult smokers.
Jun.27 by 2FIRSTS.ai
World No Tobacco Day 2025: "Unmasking Temptation" Targets Flavors, Marketing, and Design Traps in Nicotine Products
World No Tobacco Day 2025: "Unmasking Temptation" Targets Flavors, Marketing, and Design Traps in Nicotine Products
The theme for World No Tobacco Day 2025 is “Expose the Deception, Protect Life: Unmasking the Alluring Illusions of Tobacco and Nicotine Products.” It directly addresses how the industry uses flavors, packaging, and marketing to create misleading product appeal.
May.06 by 2FIRSTS.ai
JTI UK Launches 3 New Nordic Spirit Nicotine Pouch Flavors
JTI UK Launches 3 New Nordic Spirit Nicotine Pouch Flavors
Japan Tobacco International has announced the launch of three new Nordic Spirit nicotine pouch flavors in the UK: Raspberry, Tropical Mix, and Forest Berries. The new products are designed to enhance sensory experience by improving flavor release speed and moisture levels. They are now available to both independent retailers and major chains.
May.13 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Yinghe: Will Disclose Info on Sikary Share Acquisition
Yinghe: Will Disclose Info on Sikary Share Acquisition
Yinghe Technology said that if the company plans to purchase the remaining shares of Sikary, it will strictly fulfill its information disclosure obligations in accordance with laws, regulations, and disclosure requirements.
May.08 by 2FIRSTS.ai