Achieve Life Sciences Reports Cytisinicline Trial Data
New clinical trial results show long-term success rates for adults seeking to quit smoking and vaping using cytisinicline.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Asthma
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Achieve Life Sciences presented 52-week clinical trial results for its drug cytisinicline at the CHEST 2026 meeting. The study demonstrated the drug's efficacy for long-term smoking and vaping cessation in adults.
Why it matters
The study was conducted to evaluate the long-term safety, tolerability, and efficacy of cytisinicline for nicotine dependence. These results provide new insights into supporting adults in sustaining abstinence from both cigarettes and vaping.
The ORCA-OL trial enrolled 479 adult participants who took a 3 mg dose of cytisinicline three times daily. The study found a 31.2% sustained abstinence rate among the population over a median exposure of 361 days.
The players
Achieve Life Sciences
Achieve Life Sciences is a pharmaceutical company based in Seattle and Vancouver that focuses on the development of cytisinicline for smoking cessation.
The details
Participants in the trial received behavioral support alongside the medication, with 84.6% of the group identified as cigarette smokers and 12.8% as exclusive vapers. While 3.6% of participants discontinued the study due to treatment-related adverse events, the most common reported side effects were insomnia, headache, and abnormal dreams.
Timeline
Weeks 9-12 saw a 25.5 percent four-week sustained abstinence rate.
Weeks 21-24 recorded a 30.3 percent four-week sustained abstinence rate.
Weeks 49-52 reached a final four-week sustained abstinence rate of 31.2 percent.
October 21, 2026, marked the presentation of results at the CHEST 2026 meeting.
The Big Picture
The findings presented at the CHEST 2026 meeting follow a pattern of medical research forums serving as critical venues for validating new pharmacological treatments for respiratory conditions. This trial bridges gaps in long-term nicotine dependence therapy by providing extensive 52-week safety and efficacy data.
Patients may see new options for smoking and vaping cessation as clinical evidence supports the effectiveness of cytisinicline. Those considering the treatment should discuss potential side effects, such as abnormal dreams or insomnia, with their healthcare provider.
The takeaway
Long-term clinical trials are essential for establishing the safety and durability of nicotine cessation therapies. Patients should prioritize comprehensive behavioral support when attempting to quit smoking or vaping as part of their recovery plan.
Further reading
For more information on respiratory health and smoking cessation developments, visit the Asthma section.
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Do you believe long-term treatments are more effective than short-term methods for quitting smoking or vaping?
