R-017: Cytisine versus nicotine for smoking cessation
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Research ID | R-017 |
| Authors | Walker N, Howe C, Glover M, et al. |
| Year | 2014 |
| Journal / publisher | New England Journal of Medicine |
| DOI | 10.1056/NEJMoa1407764 |
| PMID | Not reported |
| ISBN | Not reported |
| Research type | Randomized Controlled Trial (open-label, noninferiority) |
| Evidence strength | Moderate |
| Population | 1,310 adult daily smokers in New Zealand |
| Intervention | Cytisine 25-day course |
| Comparator | Nicotine replacement therapy (8 weeks) |
| Last verified | 2026-10-04 |
Main question
Is cytisine at least as effective as NRT for smoking cessation?
Main findings
At 1 month, continuous abstinence was higher with cytisine (40% vs 31%); at 6 months the difference narrowed (22% vs 15%) and was not statistically significant. Cytisine was far cheaper than NRT.
Limitations
Open-label design; quit rates self-reported with some biochemical validation.
Why this record matters
Key comparative trial for cytisine vs NRT; informs the cost-effectiveness debate.
Related topics
Cytisine; Nicotine Replacement Therapy