Efficacy and Safety of the Novel Selective Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor Partial Agonist, Varenicline, for Smoking Cessation

Abstract

Tobacco use causes cancer, heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and premature death.^1,2 More than one third of the world's population older than 15 years smokes,^3,4 making tobacco addiction the leading cause of preventable death worldwide. Although currently available therapies can help some smokers quit, their efficacy is modest. Therefore, development of new therapies to treat tobacco dependence is crucial.