Canadian researchers may have found a new method to help smokers quit. Inhibition of the enzyme cytochrome P450 2A6, which metabolises nicotine, may reduce the number of cigarettes smoked by prolonging the action of nicotine, they say. This inhibition may also have another use, as the enzyme also activates carcinogens in smoke.
Presenting their results at the American Society for Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics annual meeting on March 15, Dr Edward Sellers (University of Toronto) and colleagues reported that in a study of 11 patients, they found that methoxsalen (an inhibitor of the enzyme) increased nicotine levels while reducing carbon monoxide levels (an indicator of smoke exposure).
Methoxsalen is currently used in the treatment of psoriasis but is unlicensed in the UK.