Pfizer launches non-nicotine treatment to quit smoking

{image-No Smoking jpg_26022008.jpg news.oneindia.in}Mumbai, Feb 26: Pfizer today announced the launch of Champix (varenicline), a unique non-nicotine smoking cessation prescription drug. Speaking to mediapersons, Company Managing Director Kewal Handa said, ''Champix has been developed specially to act on reducing nicotine craving as well as the pleasure of smoking. Research shows that the odds of quitting smoking on Champix are twice that of buproprion and four times that of placebo.''

All champix users can avail the ''Champs Club'' support program that together with the medication will help smokers, desiring to quit, to overcome their addiction. The 12-week Champix prescription course, with cost of around Rs 9,500 treatment per head, will be available across 17 cities in India, he added. ''Champix is the most innovative and effective oral smoking cessation product to be approved by the US FDA in the last one decade. It has benefited over 5.7 million people since its worldwide launch in mid-2006. We are confident that Champix will provide the same level of benefit to smokers in India and contribute to a healthier world,'' Mr Handa said.

''With the smoking related diseases burden in India being estimated at over Rs 24,000 crore, it is important that smoking cessation aids like Champix help smokers to embark on a journey to a new life,'' Mr Handa added.

UNI