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

2Firsts Holds Second PMTA Compliance Training in Shenzhen, Highlighting U.S. Regulatory Framework and Corporate Compliance Capabilities
2Firsts Holds Second PMTA Compliance Training in Shenzhen, Highlighting U.S. Regulatory Framework and Corporate Compliance Capabilities
2Firsts held its second U.S. PMTA compliance training in Shenzhen, providing a systematic overview of the U.S. regulatory framework for e-cigarettes and corporate compliance strategies. Nearly 20 industry professionals from manufacturing, e-liquid and supply-chain companies attended. Participants who passed the exam received compliance certification. Registration for the third training session will open soon, alongside customized corporate training programs.
Mar.09
Russia’s Kirov seizes unmarked vape liquids worth over  $13,000
Russia’s Kirov seizes unmarked vape liquids worth over $13,000
Police in Kirov, Russia, seized unmarked nicotine e-liquids for vapes worth more than 1 million rubles (about $13,000, using 1 ruble = $0.013) in a case involving a 27-year-old entrepreneur. Officers confiscated over 700 bottles from five retail outlets and found more than 8,000 additional units at a warehouse.
Feb.03 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Japan Tax Reform Threatens JTI Heated Tobacco Growth in 2026
Japan Tax Reform Threatens JTI Heated Tobacco Growth in 2026
Japan’s plan to remove the lower tax rate for heated tobacco products could slow growth in the country’s largest HTP market, JTI’s CFO said. Retail prices may rise by 70 to 100 yen, though the company plans phased increases to soften the impact.
JTI
Feb.15
ACT Health Minister Vows Continued Crackdown on E-Cigarettes and Illicit Tobacco
ACT Health Minister Vows Continued Crackdown on E-Cigarettes and Illicit Tobacco
ACT Health Minister Rachel Stephen-Smith said the government would not ease its action against e-cigarettes and illicit tobacco and would continue strengthening regulation, legislation, and enforcement. Speaking at the launch of a new program to help young people quit vaping, she said reducing tobacco excise would not materially reduce profits in the illicit tobacco market.
Mar.10 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Australian Border Force Deputy Commissioner Meets China Tobacco Regulator as Illicit Tobacco Enforcement Intensifies
Australian Border Force Deputy Commissioner Meets China Tobacco Regulator as Illicit Tobacco Enforcement Intensifies
ABF Deputy Commissioner Tim Fitzgerald visited Beijing for talks with China’s STMA. The meeting follows several exchanges between Australian enforcement agencies and China’s tobacco regulator in recent years. The discussions come as Australia intensifies efforts to combat illicit tobacco and vaping products, including large seizures at the border, while the country’s strict tobacco and vape policies continue to spark debate over their impact on the growth of black markets.
Mar.09
Morocco rolls out compulsory rules for e-cigarettes, muassel and nicotine pouches
Morocco rolls out compulsory rules for e-cigarettes, muassel and nicotine pouches
Starting February 2026, Morocco will apply its first mandatory standard governing “smoke-free” products—covering e-cigarettes, muassel and nicotine pouches. Drafted by IMANOR, the standard introduces detailed requirements on composition, labelling, traceability and safety, and will apply to imported products. Consumer advocates say clear labelling and traceability are essential, while urging stronger public-awareness efforts and resources.
Feb.03 by 2FIRSTS.ai