With increasing awareness and the stigma attached to smoking, it has become a growing trend to quit as it is no longer socially acceptable. Regular smokers are hooked on the nicotine in cigarettes, a highly addictive substance. As I say, “Smokers seek nicotine but die from tar.” When one stops smoking, the body miss nicotine, leading to cravings.

Despite its addictive potential, nicotine, a naturally occurring chemical compound, has been clinically proven to treat various neurological and other conditions, including Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, Tourette syndrome, ulcerative colitis, sleep apnoea, obesity, and weight management.

As an honorary consultant at University College London, a leading research institute focused on cancer research, I emphasise that many smokers incorrectly believe vaping is less harmful than smoking. A landmark study at UCL has shown that vaping is linked to similar DNA and epigenetic changes found in the cells of both smokers and vapers, indicating a similar degree of cancer risk. Moreover, people tend to vape more frequently than they smoke cigarettes, increasing the threats to their bodies.

Champix (Varenicline) was a licensed medical product to quit smoking by switching off the part of the brain that craves smoking. However, it has been withdrawn from the UK and Europe due to impurities found in the medicine, and its future availability remains uncertain.

In the absence of vapes and medical treatments like Champix, smokers are left with nicotine replacement products as their primary option to quit smoking. These products vary, each with its advantages and disadvantages. Side effects are often associated with systemic involvement (such as with nicotine Pouches or SNUZ), gastrointestinal involvement (such as gummies and chewing gums), respiratory involvement (with sprays), or skin exposure (with nicotine patches).

We have developed a revolutionary 3rd generation nicotine replacement product with an innovative drug delivery system to aid in quitting smoking. Our Nicotine Oral Strips called NOS offers a much safer option with fewer side effects compared to traditional products.

NOS bypass the digestive tract, absorbing through the buccal mucosa. This not only provides faster action and higher bioavailability of nicotine in the bloodstream but also offers longer control over cravings, increasing the chances of quitting smoking successfully.

The product is available in two strengths, 1.5mg and 2mg, to suit different smoking frequencies and habits. Once stabilised on the correct dose of NOS, you will gradually reduce or completely stop smoking. Additionally, if you attempt to smoke while using NOS, you will not enjoy it due to the sufficient nicotine levels in your blood.

At NOS Pharma, our journey continues as we research and develop hybrid nicotine products in strip formulation that not only help you quit smoking for good but will also be higher on the safety profile.