Smoking cessation: present status and future perspectives

Smoking is the leading cause of premature mortality in western countries and it is important for smokers to stop as early as possible. Several approaches for cessation are available but they lack high levels of efficacy. Consequently, there is a compelling need for more effective approaches and safer medications to aid smokers in achieving long-term abstinence. Expanding knowledge in our understanding of the mechanisms involved in tobacco dependence is leading to the development of novel therapies and vaccines for smoking cessation, many of which are currently in the advanced stage of development and offer promise. Here we will review efficacy and safety data from human clinical trials of current and emerging therapies and tools which are approved or undergoing investigation.