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Media release More people get NRT to quit smoking More people will have the help they need to quit smoking following the negotiation of a new supply agreement for nicotine replacement therapy (NRT). PHARMAC has reached an agreement with Pfizer Pharmaceuticals to supply both NRT patches and gum until December 2004. The price reductions for both NRT patches and gum mean that up to 11,000 more people each year will be able to take advantage of 8-week courses of fully- subsidised NRT. In total the number of people able to have fully subsidised NRT will rise to over 66,000. “We’re pleased to have reached this agreement with Pfizer,” says PHARMAC Chief Executive Wayne McNee. “NRT is an important weapon in the fight against smoking, which we know is a significant cause of illness and premature death in New Zealand. It’s also pleasing to be able to help the Government meet one of its key health priorities.” The NRT programme began in 2000 and is funded to the tune of $6.18 million per year. PHARMAC contracts for the supply of NRT gum and patches. Funding for the programme has been secured until the end of 2004, and will then be reviewed. ENDS