25 July :Here is good news for those who want to kick the deadly habit of smoking. Champix- a new drug by Pfizer, claims to help smokers overcome their addiction.
Its manufacturer claims that unlike other smoking cessation solutions that work only on controlling the withdrawal symptoms, Champix reduces withdrawal symptoms and smoker’s sense of satisfaction derived from smoking.
"Both nicotine (found in cigarettes and responsible for addiction to smoking) and Varenicline act on the nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) in the brain, which is associated with the addictive effects of nicotine," says Dr Sajeela Maini, a Delhi-based smoking cessation the rapist.
"When the Varenicline binds to these receptors it releases levels of dopamine that are required for normal functioning of the body. Hence, it reduces the craving to smoke and eases the withdrawal symptoms," she says.
The company is also promoting a virtual club ‘www.champsclub.in’ and toll free help line to help smokers in giving up their addiction.
According to a survey conducted by World health Organisation (WHO), in India alone, 5500 youths succumb to tobacco addiction daily. The total mortality (males and females) due to cancer in India is estimated to reach 6,66,563 by 2015, it says.
Considering the deaths, which this slow poison, cause in and outside the country, this new drug Champix will surely act as a miracle.Courtsey AIR