Mayo Clinic Tests New Drug to Help Smokers Quit
The Mayo Clinic Nicotine Research Program is conducting a research study to help smokers who would like to quit. The study will test whether the drug Chantix (varenicline) helps smokers who have Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) stop smoking.
The Mayo Clinic Nicotine Research Program is looking for adults to participate in this study. Eligible participants must:
- Be 35 years old or older
- Have symptoms of COPD, such as emphysema, chronic bronchitis, reduced lung function, cough with sputum production and shortness of breath, or have been told by a doctor that they may have COPD
- Have a desire to quit smoking
Chantix has recently been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for prescription use. It works by producing effects in the brain similar to those of nicotine. Previous studies have shown that this medication helps smokers successfully quit smoking by lessening the severity of withdrawal symptoms.