Expanding treatment of tobacco dependence

Abstract

Nicotine dependence is the leading preventable cause of adult morbidity and mortality in the world. New research on the treatment of this disorder ranges from studies evaluating access to treatment to studies elucidating the molecular mechanisms of nicotine addiction. As our understanding of the neurobiology of tobacco addiction grows, the number of potential therapeutic targets by which we can intervene in this pernicious disorder also increases. This paper presents an overview of recent research trends in the treatment of tobacco dependence. We review several novel mechanisms of action that may serve as therapeutic targets for the pharmacologic treatment of tobacco dependence, including drugs that affect monamine oxidase, selective nicotinic receptors, glutamate and gamma-aminobutyric acid receptors, and the endocannabinoid system. For each of these therapeutic targets, we discuss medications in development that affect these pathophysiologic mechanisms.