UK Approves Sale of Promising Smoking Cessation Medication, Cytisine

Business by 2FIRSTS.ai
Jan.03.2024
UK Approves Sale of Promising Smoking Cessation Medication, Cytisine
UK approves sale of Cytisine, a smoking cessation drug with potential to significantly help smokers quit, reports The Guardian.

According to a report by The Guardian on January 2nd, the UK has approved the sale of a smoking cessation drug called Cytisine, which could play a significant role in helping people quit smoking.

 

Even though many smokers have turned to nicotine alternative products that are safer than cigarettes, doctors have discovered a drug called cytisine (a natural ingredient found in the seeds of the golden chain tree) that can help smokers quit their addiction, with a success rate of more than double. This drug has been in use in Central and Eastern Europe for decades but is not available in most countries, including the United States. Recently, it gained approval from regulatory authorities in the United Kingdom and is expected to hit the market at the end of this month.

 

Argentinian researchers conducted a thorough analysis of 12 randomized controlled trials comparing the success rates of smokers using Cytisine, a placebo, another smoking cessation drug called Champix, or nicotine replacement therapies such as patches or nicotine pouches.

 

Researchers have discovered that Cytisine, a plant alkaloid, is more than twice as effective as a placebo. Several studies under review indicate that this medication has similarities to Varenicline and might be more effective than nicotine replacement therapy.

 

According to Argentine toxicologist Omar, "Smoking is considered a major preventable cause of death worldwide. Nicotine may become one of the important solutions to address this issue."

 

The alkaloid vincamine will be available on the market in the UK as a prescription drug by the end of January. However, the cost of a 25-day treatment with 100 pills is £115, which may hinder certain regions from including this medication as part of their healthcare services for the public.

 

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

Elf Bar Parent iMiracle to Pull Flavored Vapes From California, Ending Altria Unit NJOY Lawsuit
Elf Bar Parent iMiracle to Pull Flavored Vapes From California, Ending Altria Unit NJOY Lawsuit
China’s e-cigarette maker iMiracle, parent company of the Elf Bar brand, has agreed to halt sales of all flavored vaping products in California as part of a settlement with Altria Group’s e-cigarette unit, NJOY LLC, marking the end of a nearly two-year legal dispute.
Oct.13
Philip Morris International and an Italian Design Brand Launch Limited-Edition IQOS Collaboration, Debuting in Japan Before Expanding to 13 Travel Retail Markets
Philip Morris International and an Italian Design Brand Launch Limited-Edition IQOS Collaboration, Debuting in Japan Before Expanding to 13 Travel Retail Markets
Philip Morris International (PMI) has partnered with Italian design brand Seletti on a limited-edition IQOS collaboration, unveiled at Milan’s Pirelli HangarBicocca. The collection features two models, launching first in Japan before rolling out to 13 global travel retail markets. PMI says the partnership leverages design and cultural storytelling to advance its smoke-free transition.
Oct.28 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Philippines Moves to Ban Open-System Vape Cartridges and Uncertified E-Liquids, Removes Several Devices from Compliance List
Philippines Moves to Ban Open-System Vape Cartridges and Uncertified E-Liquids, Removes Several Devices from Compliance List
DTI plans nationwide ban on open system pods and unlicensed e-liquids to ensure consumer safety and health.
Oct.21 by 2FIRSTS.ai
2Firsts Special Report|China’s Nicotine Pouch Manufacturing Goes Global: A Supply Chain Reshaped and Redirected
2Firsts Special Report|China’s Nicotine Pouch Manufacturing Goes Global: A Supply Chain Reshaped and Redirected
China’s nicotine pouch manufacturing expanded rapidly in 2024 but cooled sharply in 2025. Meanwhile, global demand continued to grow strongly, with multinational tobacco companies increasing investment, prompting some Chinese manufacturers to accelerate the shift of production to Southeast Asia and Europe.
Nov.21
2Firsts Observation|U.S. Launches Largest-Ever Vape Enforcement Drive as Federal and State Authorities Tighten Regulations
2Firsts Observation|U.S. Launches Largest-Ever Vape Enforcement Drive as Federal and State Authorities Tighten Regulations
The U.S. has tightened vaping regulations nationwide. The DOJ, FDA, CBP and DEA seized millions of illegal devices in the largest-ever enforcement action. Several states introduced new laws with registries, packaging limits, and criminal penalties, signaling a shift toward institutionalized regulation and higher compliance costs.
Oct.17
Uruguay Weighs Ban on Nicotine Pouches as Health Ministry Warns of Growing Use
Uruguay Weighs Ban on Nicotine Pouches as Health Ministry Warns of Growing Use
Nicotine pouches, promoted as flavored, smoke-free alternatives, are spreading in Uruguay despite the absence of a formal market. The Ministry of Public Health is considering banning them by decree and has raised the issue within Mercosur and at COP11. Health Minister Cristina Lustemberg warns that the industry is pushing new nicotine products to normalize consumption among youth.
Nov.20 by 2FIRSTS.ai