What is Standard Duration Varenicline used for?

Standard Duration Varenicline is indicated for Smoking cessation.

Who makes Standard Duration Varenicline?

Standard Duration Varenicline is developed by University of Wisconsin, Madison.

What development phase is Standard Duration Varenicline in?

Standard Duration Varenicline is FDA-approved (marketed).

What are the side effects of Standard Duration Varenicline?

Common side effects include Nausea, Insomnia, Abnormal dreams, Headache, Dizziness, Constipation.

Last reviewed 2026-04-22 · How we verify

Standard Duration Varenicline

University of Wisconsin, Madison · FDA-approved active Small molecule

Varenicline is a partial agonist at the alpha-4 beta-2 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor that reduces nicotine cravings and blocks the rewarding effects of nicotine.

Varenicline is a partial agonist at the alpha-4 beta-2 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor that reduces nicotine cravings and blocks the rewarding effects of nicotine. Used for Smoking cessation.

At a glance

Generic name	Standard Duration Varenicline
Sponsor	University of Wisconsin, Madison
Drug class	Nicotinic receptor partial agonist
Target	Alpha-4 beta-2 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor
Modality	Small molecule
Therapeutic area	Addiction/Smoking Cessation
Phase	FDA-approved

Mechanism of action

Varenicline binds with high affinity and selectivity to the alpha-4 beta-2 nicotinic receptor in the brain. As a partial agonist, it provides modest dopamine release to reduce withdrawal symptoms while simultaneously blocking nicotine from binding to the same receptor, preventing the reinforcing effects of smoking. This dual action makes it effective for smoking cessation.

Approved indications

Smoking cessation

Common side effects

Nausea
Insomnia
Abnormal dreams
Headache
Dizziness
Constipation

Key clinical trials

Comparing Smoking Cessation Interventions Among Underserved Patients Referred for Lung Cancer Screening (NA)
STARS (Smoking Treatment And Remote Sampling) Study (PHASE1, PHASE2)
Health Systems Reach Interventions Project (PHASE4)
tDCS Plus Varenicline for Smoking Cessation (PHASE4)
Cessation Screening Project (PHASE4)
Improving Tobacco Treatment Rates for Cancer Patients Who Smoke (NA)
A Trial of Directly Observed and Long-term Varenicline (PHASE4)
UW Quitting Using Intensive Treatment Study (QUITS) (PHASE4)

Primary sources

Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.

Source	Used for
ClinicalTrials.gov	Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results

Competitive intelligence

For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape:

Standard Duration Varenicline CI brief — competitive landscape report
Standard Duration Varenicline updates RSS · CI watch RSS
University of Wisconsin, Madison portfolio CI