Spanish Health Ministry to Fund Generic Version of "Champix"

Regulations by 2FIRSTS.ai
May.30.2024
Spanish Health Ministry to Fund Generic Version of "Champix"
Spain's Health Ministry to fund generic version of "Champix" from June, after original version pulled due to impurities.

According to El Mundo on May 29th, the Spanish Ministry of Health will start funding generic versions of "Champix" from June, a drug that was previously removed from the market due to impurities found in the production process of its main component, Varenicline.

 

Susana Verdejo, director of the Tobacco Prevention and Control Department at the Spanish Ministry of Health, revealed during a World No Tobacco Day meeting on Wednesday (May 29) that the active ingredient varenicline in the pharmaceutical giant Pfizer's drug "Champix" was ordered to be removed from shelves in 2021 by the Spanish Agency of Medicines and Medical Devices (AEMPS) due to the presence of carcinogenic nitrosamine impurities above permitted levels during the manufacturing process. It is expected that in June, the version of the drug produced by the designated manufacturer Normon will be available for sale in Spanish pharmacies.

 

In Spain, two smoking cessation medications, "Todacitán" and "Recigarum," have received funding. Therefore, there are currently three smoking cessation medications available in Spain.

 

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

Mexico’s ENCODAT 2025 finds smoking rate falls as vaping rises
Mexico’s ENCODAT 2025 finds smoking rate falls as vaping rises
Results from Mexico’s ENCODAT 2025 indicate a structural shift in tobacco and nicotine use: past-month combustible tobacco use among the general population (ages 12–65) declined to 15.1%, down from 17.6% in 2016, while past-month e-cigarette use increased to 2.6%, up from 1.1%.
Dec.25 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Mexican Congress Postpones Debate on Vape and E-Cigarette Ban
Mexican Congress Postpones Debate on Vape and E-Cigarette Ban
Mexico’s Chamber of Deputies has postponed the debate on a reform to the General Health Law that seeks to completely ban the sale and distribution of electronic cigarettes and vapes. Lawmaker Amancay González Franco (MC) criticized the draft for excluding tobacco heating devices, such as Philip Morris’s IQOS, arguing that these products are even more harmful according to the World Health Organization.
Dec.05 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Councils Remove 1.2 Million Illicit Vapes from UK High Streets
Councils Remove 1.2 Million Illicit Vapes from UK High Streets
UK council data shows that two illegal vapes were seized every minute in 2025, with a total of 1.2 million illicit vapes removed from high streets. Over the past year, authorities also seized millions of illegal cigarettes and other nicotine products. Consumer surveys indicate that more than half of UK vapers believe they have unknowingly purchased illegal vaping products.
Dec.23 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Comedian Shuib fined  US$2,460 after pleading guilty to promoting an e-cigarette on a podcast
Comedian Shuib fined US$2,460 after pleading guilty to promoting an e-cigarette on a podcast
Bernama reported that comedian Shahmira Muhamad, better known as Shuib Sepahtu, was fined RM10,000 (about US$2,460.93) after pleading guilty to promoting an electronic cigarette product on a YouTube podcast in 2024. The magistrate ordered one month’s jail in default of payment, and he paid the fine. He was charged over a promotion at 4.26pm on Oct 22, 2024, under Section 9(1) of the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 (Act 852).
Jan.08 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Buenos Aires Province issues health alert over growing use and promotion of nicotine pouches
Buenos Aires Province issues health alert over growing use and promotion of nicotine pouches
The Ministry of Health of the Province of Buenos Aires issued a health alert to the public and health teams over increased circulation, promotion and consumption of nicotine pouches. It said the disposable oral products dissolve in the mouth without combustion or vapor and are marketed as tobacco-free, but contain nicotine and have a high addictive potential.
Jan.13 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Novosibirsk Governor: Targeted Vape Restrictions More Effective Than Full Ban
Novosibirsk Governor: Targeted Vape Restrictions More Effective Than Full Ban
Novosibirsk Region Governor Andrey Travnikov said during a live Q&A session that local authorities have no plans to impose a full ban on the sale of vapes and disposable e-cigarettes. He argued that a regional ban would be ineffective and could encourage gray market activity and cross-border resale.
Dec.12 by 2FIRSTS.ai