October 2006 « Chantix News HomePfizer's anti-smoking pill Champix approved in
Europe Pfizer Inc said that the European Commission has approved Champix (varenicline), a novel pill for smoking cessation in adults. In addition, because smokers often need considerable support to quit successfully, Champix will be available with a patient support plan which smokers can customize to address their individual behavioral triggers as they try to quit smoking. The decision brings the remarkable treatment a step closer to approval across the Middle East. Smoking is a chronic relapsing medical condition that typically involves a physical and psychological addiction to nicotine. In Europe alone, more than 1.2 million people die each year from smoking-related diseases. In addition to the human toll, there is a significant social and economic cost associated with smoking. By 2010, the World Health Organization (WHO) predicts the annual global cost of tobacco-related illness will be approximately $500 billion, with Europe accounting for up to $165 billion of this sum. While most smokers recognize the significant health risks associated with smoking, research shows that without adequate behavioral therapy and environmental support, most smokers relapse within a few days of trying to quit and few are able to remain quit. In the Middle East, according to WHO statistics, half
of adult males are smokers. With a consumption rate of 2,280 cigarettes
per person per year, Kuwait ranks 19th globally in tobacco consumption
while Saudi Arabia is 23rd, at 2,130 per person. In total, the countries
of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) as a whole spend US$ 800 million
per year on tobacco. Read more: http://www.ameinfo.com/98006.html |
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