Objective: To review the current state of the science in medication development for nicotine dependence and to identify important areas for future research.
Methods: The National Cancer Institute and the National Institute on Drug Abuse convened a conference focused on translational approaches to the development, evaluation, and delivery of medications for the treatment of tobacco dependence.
Results: Future research directions include investigations of the efficacy of novel compounds and new applications for existing medications; pharmacogenetic trials of nicotine dependence treatments; and studies of the molecular, neural, and behavioral mechanisms of action of efficacious medications.
Conclusions: Medication development for the treatment of tobacco dependence remains a scientific and public health priority.