SINGAPORE: Snubbing out that cigarette could become easier for smokers, with the launch of a new anti-smoking drug that helps to wean smokers off their nicotine addiction.

Developed by pharmaceutical firm, Pfizer, specially for smoking cessation, the drug Champix (varenicline) is a non-nicotine agent, which the company claims is the first new anti-smoking treatment here in nearly ten years.

Champix works by blocking nicotine receptors in the brain to relieve nicotine cravings and withdrawal symptoms. It also cut down on the feeling of pleasure the smoker has when he inhales.

Nicotine addiction is usually cited as the main stumbling block for those who wish to quit smoking.

A recent survey of 200 smokers in Singapore showed that 62 per cent of smokers considered themselves addicted to nicotine, or dependent on cigarettes to get them through the day.

Almost half said they found it difficult to quit due to psychological dependence on smoking, while 25 per cent of them found it difficult to quit due to physical dependence on smoking.

Clinical trials for the new drug Champix showed that by the end of 12 weeks of therapy, it helped 44 per cent of smokers to stop smoking.

Dr Ong Kian Chung, Consultant Respiratory Physician, Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre, said: 'While Singapore already enjoys one of the lowest smoking prevalence rates in the world, we still hope to see a further reduction of the number of smokers in Singapore.

'This will decrease the number of smoking-related deaths and chronic ailments in the population. 'We, as healthcare professionals, welcome any new and clinically proven help that can aid us in achieving that goal.'