A recent study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) Internal Medicine has shown that cytisinicline, a potential treatment for smoking cessation and nicotine dependence, may also be effective in helping individuals quit vaping. The Phase 2 ORCA-V1 trial evaluated the efficacy and safety of 3 mg cytisinicline compared to placebo in 160 non-smoking adults who used e-cigarettes or nicotine vapes and wanted to quit.
The results of the study revealed that participants receiving cytisinicline treatment had more than double the odds of quitting vaping compared to those who received placebo. During weeks 9 to 12 of the treatment period, 31.8% of participants in the cytisinicline group achieved biochemically confirmed continuous vaping abstinence, compared to only 15.1% in the placebo group.
Furthermore, a consistent trend in favor of cytisinicline was observed across secondary endpoints, including abstinence during and beyond the end of the treatment period. The prevalence of vaping abstinence was consistently higher in the cytisinicline group, and mean biochemical cotinine levels were consistently lower compared to the placebo group.
Importantly, cytisinicline treatment was well tolerated, with no serious adverse events reported. Compliance with the study treatment was excellent, with high rates of drug adherence in both the cytisinicline and placebo groups. Adverse events were similar between the treatment arms, with the most frequent events being sleep disturbances, anxiety, headache, fatigue, and upper respiratory tract infections.
These findings are significant in light of the increasing prevalence of e-cigarette use among adults. While switching from traditional cigarettes to e-cigarettes may reduce tobacco-related health risks, e-cigarettes still sustain nicotine dependence. Many adults who vape nicotine express a desire to quit, and cytisinicline could potentially be the first prescription drug to help individuals address their addiction to e-cigarettes.
Achieve Life Sciences, the pharmaceutical company behind cytisinicline, plans to conduct an End-of-Phase 2 meeting with the FDA later this year to discuss the next steps for clinical trials and pursuing an indication for vaping cessation. The promising results of the ORCA-V1 trial provide hope for those struggling to quit vaping and highlight the potential of cytisinicline as a valuable treatment option.
In addition to the information provided in the article, here are some additional facts, current market trends, forecasts, and key challenges associated with cytisinicline in vaping cessation:
1. Facts:
– Cytisinicline, also known as Tabex, is a plant-based alkaloid that has been used for smoking cessation in Eastern Europe for several decades.
– It works by targeting the same nicotine receptors in the brain as nicotine, helping to reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
– In previous studies, cytisinicline has shown promising results in helping individuals quit smoking, with similar efficacy to other smoking cessation medications like varenicline.
– The Phase 2 ORCA-V1 trial is the first study to specifically evaluate the efficacy of cytisinicline in vaping cessation.
2. Current Market Trends:
– The use of e-cigarettes, or vaping, has been on the rise in recent years, particularly among young adults.
– According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over 9 million adults in the United States currently use e-cigarettes.
– The popularity of e-cigarettes has raised concerns about nicotine addiction and potential health risks associated with vaping.
3. Forecasts:
– The market for vaping cessation products is expected to expand significantly in the coming years as awareness of the potential risks of e-cigarettes grows.
– If further studies confirm the efficacy and safety of cytisinicline in vaping cessation, it has the potential to become a widely-used prescription medication for quitting vaping.
– The success of cytisinicline in helping individuals quit vaping could also lead to increased interest in other plant-based alternatives for smoking cessation.
4. Key Challenges or Controversies:
– While cytisinicline has shown promising results in clinical trials, further research is needed to fully understand its long-term efficacy and safety profile.
– As with any medication, it may not be suitable for everyone and could have potential side effects or interactions with other medications.
– There may be challenges in convincing individuals who vape to seek medical help or use prescription medications for quitting, as many may rely on over-the-counter methods or self-help strategies.
For more information on this topic, you can refer to these related links:
Achieve Life Sciences – The official website of Achieve Life Sciences, the pharmaceutical company behind cytisinicline.
Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) Internal Medicine – The official website of the journal where the study on cytisinicline was published.
CDC – E-cigarettes – Information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) about e-cigarettes and vaping.