Dr. Edward Sellers and colleagues found that methoxsalen, a compound used to treat skin disorders, reduces the activity of the enzyme CYP2A6 that metabolizes nicotine. This makes more nicotine -- whether from a cigarette or nicotine replacement -- available in the blood, and keeps it there longer.

"These results suggest that inhibiting the activity of CYP2A6 may represent a potential component of a potent new treatment for nicotine dependence," Dr. Sellers said. "CYP2A6 inhibition could reduce smokers' exposure to the harmful constituents of tobacco smoke while serving as part of a step-by-step program of reduction leading to cessation of smoking."

As methoxsalen partially blocks the body's ability to break down nicotine, it significantly improves the effectiveness of oral nicotine replacement in reducing a smoker's urge for nicotine. In addition, when those on the medication smoke, they take fewer and shorter puffs on each cigarette.

"This research opens up an exciting new avenue of treatment that can help smokers substantially reduce their exposure to the deadly particles of tobacco smoke while they overcome the addiction to nicotine that makes it so hard to quit," said Dr. Alan I. Leshner, NIDA director.

The research is published in the July 2000 issue of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics.

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