A recent study has identified specific genes that may influence the effectiveness of varenicline, a widely used anti-smoking drug. Varenicline works by mimicking nicotine, binding to certain brain cell proteins to block the pleasurable effects of smoking and curb cravings. In India, it is available under multiple brand names, including Champix.
Despite its widespread use, varenicline does not help everyone quit smoking successfully. Researchers from the University of Leicester, UK, conducted a groundbreaking genome-wide study to identify genetic factors linked to smoking cessation success with varenicline. Lead researcher Kayesha Coley highlighted that this was the first study of its kind to scan the entire genome for such associations.
Study Findings: Genes and Smoking Cessation
Published in Nicotine and Tobacco Research, the study analyzed health records from databases such as the UK Biobank. Researchers compared individuals who successfully quit smoking using varenicline with those for whom the drug was ineffective. Genetic analysis revealed specific DNA variations that may influence a person’s ability to quit smoking with varenicline.
“Our findings provide initial insights into the biological mechanisms underlying varenicline-assisted smoking cessation, particularly through genes involved in gene expression,” the authors noted. While these insights enhance our understanding of individual responses to the drug, further large-scale studies are required to validate the findings, Coley emphasized.
Participants were drawn from the Extended Cohort for E-health, Environment and DNA (EXCEED) study at the University of Leicester. Additionally, genetic data from other national and international cohort studies, including those from Estonia, were analyzed to strengthen the research.
This study marks an important step toward personalized smoking cessation treatments, paving the way for future research to refine and enhance varenicline’s effectiveness based on genetic profiles.