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

Altria CEO Billy Gifford to Retire; Sal Mancuso Named Successor
Altria CEO Billy Gifford to Retire; Sal Mancuso Named Successor
Altria Group, Inc. (NYSE: MO) announced that CEO Billy Gifford will retire at the conclusion of the 2026 Annual Meeting of Shareholders on May 14, 2026, after more than 30 years with the company. The Board of Directors has elected Salvatore (Sal) Mancuso, Altria’s current Executive Vice President and CFO, to succeed him as CEO.
Dec.12 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Coral Springs, Florida Moves to Extend Ban on New Vape Shops as Number of Existing Stores Reaches 23
Coral Springs, Florida Moves to Extend Ban on New Vape Shops as Number of Existing Stores Reaches 23
Coral Springs, Florida is considering extending its six-month moratorium on new smoke and vape shops as it works to finalize zoning rules and regulatory measures in response to a rapid increase in such retailers in recent years. The city is already home to 23 smoke and vape shops.
Dec.01 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Interpreting FDA’s on! PLUS Authorization: What the Agency’s Press Release Reveals About Its Nicotine Pouch Review Model
Interpreting FDA’s on! PLUS Authorization: What the Agency’s Press Release Reveals About Its Nicotine Pouch Review Model
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has confirmed that six on! PLUS nicotine pouch products have received Marketing Granted Orders (MGO) through the PMTA pathway. The authorizations were completed under the agency’s nicotine pouch review pilot program in “record time,” with the FDA citing lower levels of harmful constituents while stressing that the decision applies only to the specified products and does not mean they are safe or FDA approved.
Regulations
Dec.20
Vietnam Decree 371: vaping and heated tobacco use fined up to $190
Vietnam Decree 371: vaping and heated tobacco use fined up to $190
Vietnam’s Government Decree 371, effective December 31, 2025, stipulates that users of e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products will be fined VND 3–5 million (about $114–$190) and required to destroy the products. The decree also provides that individuals who allow use at premises they own or manage will be fined VND 5–10 million (about $190–$380), with fines doubled for organizations.
Jan.04 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Heated tobacco brand DIITO launches in Mongolia
Heated tobacco brand DIITO launches in Mongolia
A new heat-not-burn (HNB) brand, DIITO, has commenced promotional activities in the Mongolian market. The device features an integrated display panel and supports dual heating modes, "RELAX" and "RUSH." Investigations reveal that DIITO’s local promotion closely overlaps with RELX’s official distribution channels. Furthermore, the DIITO trademark is held by the UK-based REAZEN TECH LIMITED, a company that also manages the e-cigarette brand FASTA.
Jan.16 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Irish Vape Group Urges Full Scrutiny of Single-Use Vape Bill
Irish Vape Group Urges Full Scrutiny of Single-Use Vape Bill
Responsible Vaping Ireland (RVI) has urged TDs to fully scrutinise the Public Health (Single-Use Vapes) Bill 2025 as it comes before the Dáil for debate. Representing more than 3,300 independent vape retailers, RVI stressed that meaningful consultation with retailers and enforcement authorities is essential to ensure the ban meets its public health and environmental goals without unintended consequences.
Dec.17 by 2FIRSTS.ai