Pfizer to launch Champix in Japan

World drug giant Pfizer is set to launch its smoking cessation drug Champix 0.5mg/1.0mg (varenicline tartrate) in Japan, which has one of the highest rates of smoking among developed nations. The agent was developed as the first non-nicotine drug designed for smoking cessation in the USA and will be the first oral smoking cessation aid available in Japan. Currently-available quit aids such as nicotine replacement therapy relieve withdrawal symptoms while the Pfizer drug reduces craving and withdrawal symptoms, as well as reducing the pleasure associated with smoking.