France pulls subsidy for Pfizer stop-smoking drug

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Wednesday June 01, 2011 05:54:10 AM GMT

PARIS, May 31 (Reuters) - France will remove Pfizer's stop-smoking drug Champix from a register of treatments for which users are reimbursed from state social security funds, Health Minister Xavier Bertrand said on Tuesday.

"Questions have been raised about Champix, so I've decided it will no longer be covered by (state) health insurance," the minister said in an interview on France 2 television.

The drug, described by its maker as a non-nicotine pill, has been marketed since 2006-2007 as Champix in Europe and Chantix in the United States.

Pfizer faces legal action in the United States over the treatment. Plaintiffs say it can lead to suicide. Pfizer disputes their claims.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued a statement in 2009 saying the drug should carry additional warnings advising users who experienced unusual changes in mood or behaviour to stop using the treatment or contact their doctor. (Editing by Jon Loades-Carter)

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