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| |  Clear NicoDerm CQ Now Available In US PITTSBURGH, PA -- April 18, 2000 -- After enabling hundreds of thousands of smokers to quit successfully with the NicoDerm(R) CQ(R) nicotine patch, SmithKline Beecham Consumer Healthcare now introduces Clear(TM) NicoDerm(R) CQ (R), a transparent nicotine patch that makes it easier for smokers to keep their quit attempt private. The product's appeal is that it offers the same proven efficacy of original NicoDerm CQ in a new clear patch option. "SmithKline Beecham has been a leader in the over-the-counter stop smoking category for four years and continues to explore ways to satisfy a broader range of smokers who want to quit," said George Quesnelle, vice president and director, Medical Marketing and Sales, SmithKline Beecham Consumer Healthcare. Clear NicoDerm CQ recently received U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval for over-the-counter (OTC) sale and represents the fourth stop smoking option available from SmithKline Beecham, the providers of Nicorette(R) (original and Mint) nicotine gum and original NicoDerm CQ nicotine patch. "Research has shown that the ability to keep a quitting attempt personal and private is important to a significant number of potential quitters. Many smokers do not want others to know they are trying to quit," said Jasjit S. Ahluwalia, M.D., a stop smoking expert from the University of Kansas Medical Center. "A clear nicotine patch would allow smokers of all skin types to discreetly wear the patch." Since 1996, the American Cancer Society and SmithKline Beecham have collaborated to pursue a common goal of offering educational programs to help people quit smoking. John Seffrin, Ph.D., chief executive officer of the American Cancer Society, said, "Breaking the addiction to cigarettes is a personal journey for each smoker so it's important for smokers to have choices to aid with their quit attempt. The clear nicotine patch provides smokers with one more option to help them quit." The Clear NicoDerm CQ patch resembles a transparent adhesive bandage and is applied as such. It consists of a thin, flexible system in four layers: an impermeable backing, a drug reservoir, a rate-controlling membrane and an adhesive. Like the original version, the Clear NicoDerm CQ patch begins working to deliver medicine immediately upon application. When the patch is affixed to the skin, nicotine is absorbed by the body through a special rate-controlling transdermal membrane. The patented technology of this layer delivers a steady level of nicotine throughout the day to reduce the cravings associated with withdrawal. Clear NicoDerm CQ offers the same simple step down program as original NicoDerm CQ to gradually reduce a smoker's dependence on nicotine over a 10 or eight-week treatment period. Heavy smokers (10 or more cigarettes/day) are instructed to begin at Step One, using a 21mg patch each day for six weeks. During Step Two, a 14mg patch is used daily for two weeks, followed by Step Three, (7mg) for the remaining two weeks. The tapering of nicotine levels is an important component of the NicoDerm CQ stop smoking program, because it allows smokers to decrease their dependence on nicotine slowly, the way physicians and pharmacists prefer. Light smokers (10 or less cigarettes/day) may begin the program at Step Two (14mg) for six weeks and Step Three (7mg) for two weeks, then stop. With the NicoDerm CQ stop smoking program, users can choose to either apply the patch for up to 24 hours, or, they may remove the patch after 16 hours before going to sleep. This flexibility allows smokers to wear the patch throughout the night, since many people experience intense morning cravings. Purchasers of the Clear NicoDerm CQ patch Starter Kit have the option of free enrollment in Committed Quitters(R), a clinically proven personalized behavioral support program. A series of customized self-help materials is sent to program participants throughout the 10-week therapy to help them cope with their specific triggers and issues in quitting. "Research has shown that smokers who use the Committed Quitters program can improve their chances of quitting by up to 50 percent, versus the use of nicotine replacement therapy alone," explained Saul Shiffman, Ph.D., professor of psychology, University of Pittsburgh, who developed the program and conducted the research for SmithKline Beecham. "Smokers who want to quit should take advantage of programs like Committed Quitters and enhance their chance of success." Clear NicoDerm CQ is now available in most drug stores, mass merchandisers and supermarkets that carry a large selection of non-prescription health products. The company plans to widely communicate the availability of Clear NicoDerm CQ through extensive advertising, promotion and public relations initiatives. Clear NicoDerm CQ was developed and is manufactured by ALZA Corporation. Headquartered in Mountain View, Ca, ALZA developed and has manufactured the NicoDerm CQ patch since the product's approval in 1991 and OTC conversion in 1996. A research-based pharmaceutical company with leading drug delivery technologies, ALZA pioneered the transdermal drug delivery system found in both original and Clear NicoDerm CQ. SmithKline Beecham originated the OTC nicotine replacement therapy category with the FDA approval of over-the-counter Nicorette nicotine gum and continues to lead the market after the introduction of the original over-the-counter NicoDerm CQ nicotine patch and the launch of over-the-counter Nicorette Mint. The American Cancer Society is the nationwide, community-based, voluntary health organization dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by preventing cancer, saving lives and diminishing suffering from cancer through research, education, advocacy and service. SmithKline Beecham -- one of the world's leading health care companies -- discovers, develops, manufactures and markets pharmaceuticals, vaccines, over-the-counter medicines and health-related consumer products. Related Links: NicoDerm CQ nicotine patch, ALZA Corporation and SmithKline Beecham.
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