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Pfizer is reintroducing its Champix (varenicline) prescription only smoking cessation medicine into the UK after a “temporary market withdrawal”.

Pfizer paused distribution worldwide in 2021 as a precautionary move following an evaluation that identified Champix contained levels of N-nitroso-varenicline above an acceptable level of daily intake.

Pfizer has taken steps to address the presence of nitrosamines, including lowering the levels to meet regulatory requirements.

The estimated number of smokers in the UK is projected to be approximately 8 million adults. However, recent research suggests that smoking rates in parts of the UK have increased for the first time in nearly two decades, with a 15 per cent rise in southern England between 2020 and 2024.

"Although smoking rates in the UK have been declining, the rate of decline has slowed in many areas and in some parts of the country we are seeing an increase,” said Dr Berkeley Phillips, UK medical director for Pfizer. “There remains significant untapped potential in smoking cessation efforts as many smokers attempting to quit do not take full advantage of evidence-based support.

Varenicline works by reducing cravings and withdrawal symptoms to help adults quit smoking  In a randomised controlled trial of approved smoking cessation medicines published in The Lancet, varenicline was significantly more effective than nicotine replacement therapy patches, buproprion and placebo in helping smokers to quit over a 12 week period.

Professor Nick Hopkinson, medical director at Asthma + Lung UK, commented: “As a smoker, quitting is the best thing you can do for your health, but it can be difficult without help. Stop smoking medications like varenicline are an effective way to help stop smoking and an important part of the resources available to people trying to quit.

“Vitally, to help as many smokers as possible to give up, smoking cessation services are crucial. You are three times more likely to quit smoking successfully if you have a combination of counselling support and treatment to help relieve cravings and break tobacco dependence.”