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

MEPs seek Commission answers over EU trade officials’ contacts with PMI
MEPs seek Commission answers over EU trade officials’ contacts with PMI
POLITICO reports that five members of the European Parliament’s health committee want to invite the European Commission to answer questions about its contacts with Philip Morris International (PMI), following a POLITICO and The Examination investigation into extensive meetings between EU trade officials and tobacco lobbyists.
Jan.15 by 2FIRSTS.ai
PMI says Colorado ZYN plant build advances as first pouches hit market in 2025
PMI says Colorado ZYN plant build advances as first pouches hit market in 2025
Philip Morris International (PMI) is investing $600 million to build a ZYN nicotine pouch plant in Aurora, Colorado. While the facility is still under construction, PMI said production started in September 2025 and the first pouches made at the site have already gone to market.
Feb.10 by 2FIRSTS.ai
France’s Top Administrative Court Suspends Nicotine Pouch Decree
France’s Top Administrative Court Suspends Nicotine Pouch Decree
France’s Council of State has suspended a government decree that was set to ban the manufacture, production and export of nicotine pouches from April 2026. The court ruled that companies were not given sufficient time to reorganise their operations. A final decision on the legality of the decree is expected by June 2026. The court noted that the commercial sale of nicotine pouches is already restricted under existing public health laws.
Dec.23 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Iowa urges Eighth Circuit to allow enforcement of challenged e-cigarette directory law
Iowa urges Eighth Circuit to allow enforcement of challenged e-cigarette directory law
At the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit, Iowa asked judges to allow enforcement of a challenged 2024 state law that penalizes manufacturers selling e-cigarette products not listed on a state-run directory. Products are listed only when a manufacturer or retailer meets certain premarket requirements established under the federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act (FDCA).
Jan.19 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Kazakhstan Investigates Social-Media Vape Sales Linked to a Banking “Drop” Arrangement
Kazakhstan Investigates Social-Media Vape Sales Linked to a Banking “Drop” Arrangement
Kazakhstan’s Financial Monitoring Agency (AFM) in Ulytau Region is conducting a pre-trial investigation into alleged illegal vape sales and the unlawful acquisition of access to a bank account. Authorities say a Satpayev resident has sold banned devices via social media since 2024 and used a “dropper” arrangement to disguise proceeds.
Jan.27 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Make Your Brand Understood by the People Who Matter
Make Your Brand Understood by the People Who Matter
Feb.02