The Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation issued a registration certificate to the Russian company Promomed for the drug Varenicline with the active ingredient of the same name. This is the first Russian generic version of the reference Champix of Pfizer.
Varenicline combats smoking addiction by blocking the ability of nicotine to stimulate α4β2 receptors and activate the mesolimbic dopamine system. This mechanism underlies the formation of nicotine addiction. In addition to stopping the craving for smoking, Champix and Varenicline reduce the manifestation of withdrawal symptoms.
In 2021, Champix came under scrutiny by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) due to laboratory test results showing excess levels of the carcinogen N-nitroso-varenicline in some batches of the drug.
