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Boston study to examine smoking cessation drug
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WCVBUpdated: 5:00 PM EST Nov 19, 2020
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Emily Riemer
Anchor/Medical Reporter
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The Great American Smokeout is this week, a day when smokers are encouraged to take the first step toward quitting. Right now, more than 32,000,000 American adults still smoke cigarettes.

"It's been a problem for a long time and it's still a problem and it's even more important this year because of COVID," said Dr. Nancy Rigotti, director of the Tobacco Research and Treatment Center at Massachusetts General Hospital.


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She said smoking is still the leading preventable cause of death and illness in the world. Rigotti and her team have just launched a Phase 3 clinical trial of a smoking cessation drug called cytisinicline.

It's a plant-based alkaloid that's been in use in Eastern Europe for the last 60 years. Several trials around the world have shown it to be safe and effective. Now, Rigotti's team is conducting U.S. trials, hoping for the same outcome. If it's approved, it would be available by prescription.

"While it's probably at least as good as Chantix, in terms of its effectiveness to help people quit, it has very few side effects. Doesn't have the nausea, doesn't seem to cause the abnormal dreams. It works on nicotine receptors in the brain so it helps to prevent the nicotine withdrawal symptoms that you would get if you suddenly stopped smoking," Rigotti said.

The trial is enrolling right now. Researchers are looking for smokers who want to quit and are currently smoking 10 cigarettes a day.

For more information about the trial, click here. Interested volunteers can call the study line at 617-726-7443 or email [e-mail].