Pharmaceutical Giants Fight For Smoking Cessation Market In China
This article was originally published in PharmAsia News
Executive Summary
Johnson & Johnson recently launched in China its Nicorette chewing gum and patch for people who want to quit smoking. It is the third such global product to enter the country following Novartis' Nicotinell (Nicotinell transdermal nicotine patches)and Pfizer's Champix (varenicline) (PharmAsia News, Dec. 8, 2008) launched respectively in 2007 and 2008. Compared with Nicotinell and Champix, which need prescriptions, OTC Nicorette offers greater accessibility to more people. Industry analysts point out that the huge China market accounts for the three giants' move, but the lack of short-term profit may cause some interested parties to withdraw. Johnson & Johnson agrees with the observation, but stresses its long-term strategy that will see product launches with different flavors. (Click here for more - Chinese Language)
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