2007

Mayo Clinic Briefings – Mayo Clinic Enrolling Smokers To Test New Drug To Aid Quitting

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 varenicline (Chantix) helps smokers with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) stop smoking.

Varenicline 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. Because nicotine is a highly addictive substance, the use of medications and/or nicotine replacement therapy increases a smoker's chance of quitting successfully.

The Mayo Clinic Nicotine Research Program is looking for adults to participate in this study. Eligibility criteria include the following:

• 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