In two studies, varenicline tartrate, a new smoking cessation medicine from Pfizer Inc., helped more smokers quit than those given Zyban, an oral prescription anti-smoking medicine. Forty-four percent of varenicline-treated patients quit by the end of the 12-week treatment, compared to 30 percent of those given Zyban and 18 percent given a placebo. Pfizer has submitted a New Drug Application for varenicline to the Food and Drug Administration and, upon approval, will market the medicine under the brand name Champix.

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