The 2025 NICE update includes Cytisine as a recommended smoking cessation treatment after its UK launch and a review of clinical evidence.


RT’s Three Key Takeaways:

  1. Cytisine Added to NICE Guidelines – The 2025 update includes Cytisine as a “more likely” smoking cessation treatment following its UK launch and clinical review.
  2. Short Treatment Duration – Cytisine’s 25-day regimen and single prescription availability provide a convenient option for individuals looking to quit smoking.
  3. Expanding Access to Smoking Cessation – NICE’s update mandates that healthcare providers in England offer Cytisine alongside other established treatments.

Smoking cessation treatment Cytisine (also known as cytisinicline) has been classified among the “more likely” interventions to result in successful quitting for United Kingdom smokers in the latest version of The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) tobacco guidelines.

NICE’s update mandates that local commissioners and providers of healthcare in England make Cytisine (cytisinicline) available as a treatment option alongside other established smoking cessation therapies, giving frontline healthcare professionals an additional treatment option.

“Cytisine is a real game-changer for smoking cessation,” says Beverley Bostock, advanced nurse practitioner, Mann Cottage Surgery, Gloucestershire, in a release. “Cytisine offers a short treatment duration compared to many other available treatments, and has a proven track record, making it a practical and effective option. With NICE’s updated guidelines in place, clinicians will freely be able to provide this treatment option, where appropriate, to support more individuals in breaking free from smoking.”

The update to the NICE tobacco guidelines was instigated by the UK launch of Cytisine in January 2024 and included a review of the clinical and cost-effectiveness evidence, which confirmed Cytisine’s position as a first-line treatment option for smoking cessation.

“We can now add Cytisine to the list of treatments that, when combined with support from a trained professional, can help individuals to be smoke-free,” says Matthew Evison, MD, consultant chest physician at Wythenshawe Hospital, in a release. “Cytisine has a treatment duration of just 25 days and can be administered with a single prescription, meaning no need for repeat prescriptions or appointments for more tablets. Having more treatment options available, and making it easier for people who smoke to access them, will help ensure more people can be smoke-free, reducing the risk of illness and premature death.”

Smoking Remains a Major Public Health Burden

Smoking remains a leading public health challenge in the UK, contributing to around 80,000 deaths annually and imposing a £21.8 billion economic burden. Tobacco is the most preventable cause of ill health and death in the UK and, if further action is not taken, nearly half a million more people may die from smoking by 2030.

“Smoking is the leading cause of premature, preventable death in the UK,” says Dr Gillian Lowrey, respiratory consultant at University Hospitals of Derby and Burton, in a release. “Cytisine gives healthcare professionals an additional stop smoking option to prescribe to patients, particularly those who want to avoid continued nicotine use. Many people prefer oral medications for convenience, and Cytisine gives them options.”

The first version of NICE guideline, “Tobacco: preventing uptake, promoting quitting and treating dependence,” was published in 2021. The 2025 update reflects Cytisine’s inclusion as a recommended treatment option following its UK launch and a comprehensive review of clinical evidence.

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