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Globe and Mail
06-07-2025
- Business
- Globe and Mail
Achieve Life Sciences Announces Partnership with Omnicom to Execute Integrated, Data-Driven Launch of the First Potential New Treatment for Nicotine Dependence in Nearly Two Decades
Omnicom cross-agency collaboration to drive technology-led, innovative launch strategy Partnership brings together promising science, top-tier talent, and advanced technologies to enable a faster, smarter, and more effective path to address a critical public health need SEATTLE and VANCOUVER, British Columbia, June 26, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Achieve Life Sciences, Inc. (Nasdaq: ACHV), a late-stage specialty pharmaceutical company focused on the global development and commercialization of cytisinicline as a treatment of nicotine dependence for smoking cessation, today announced it has named Omnicom (NYSE: OMC) as its strategic innovation partner and agency of record to lead initiatives in support of Achieve's planning for U.S. commercial launch. 'We're excited to expand our partnership with Omnicom, building on the strong foundation we've established over the past several years,' said Jaime Xinos, Chief Commercial Officer of Achieve Life Sciences. 'This fully integrated extension of our commercial team shares the belief that the first treatment innovation for nicotine dependence in decades should be matched by an equally modern and strategic launch approach.' Led by Omnicom's technology powerhouse, Credera, Achieve's U.S. launch platform is being developed based on world-class, AI-enabled marketing technology proven across healthcare and other industries to enhance precision targeting, optimize channel performance, and accelerate meaningful engagement with both healthcare professionals and patients. 'To be selected by Achieve to help address a major public health crisis is truly an honor,' said Michael Collins, President, Health & Wellness for Omnicom Advertising Collective. 'Over the past several years, Achieve Life Sciences has been singularly focused on preparing to transform the nicotine dependence market and we are deeply committed to building a best-in-class approach with top talent and tools from across the network to help Achieve realize the full potential of cytisinicline.' Along with Credera, to deliver a comprehensive and connected commercialization strategy, Omnicom has assembled a unified agency team drawing on specialized talent from Goodby, Silverstein & Partners, DDB Health, and Ketchum Health. This cross-functional team will provide expertise in consumer brand development, medical education, and strategic public relations and communications, applying proven insights from across industries to support a launch strategy designed to set a new standard for biopharma commercialization. Xinos continued, 'As an emerging biopharma company, we recognize we can't follow the traditional playbook historically used to launch new medicines. We're designing a launch platform that's purpose-built for a company bringing its first product to market in today's environment. It leverages data-driven insights to guide decisions and deploy resources with precision, agility, and efficiency. These aren't untested ideas—they're established best practices in marketing excellence, and we're applying them with focus and intent to drive value across our stakeholders.' Smoking remains the leading cause of preventable death and disease in the U.S., with over 29 million adults still smoking. Achieve has successfully completed two Phase 3 studies with cytisinicline for smoking cessation and has fully enrolled its ongoing open-label safety study. Achieve announced it submitted its new drug application (NDA) for cytisinicline as a treatment of nicotine dependence for smoking cessation on June 25, 2025. If approved, Achieve aims to help address this ongoing public health crisis by making cytisinicline available to those ready to quit and providing them with a new, evidence-based path to cessation. Achieve's collaboration with Omnicom enables the integration of innovative technologies like generative AI, predictive analytics and social listening to enhance targeting and personalization and will also include partnerships with healthcare apps, pharmacies, and data providers to expand the reach and depth of insights, making Achieve's approach uniquely comprehensive. 'We're so proud to have been chosen by Achieve Life Sciences and to be part of history by addressing one of the biggest public health issues of our time and applying our latest technologies and offerings to ensure a highly successful launch,' said Michele Markus, Head of Global Health Accounts for Omnicom. 'This issue is personal for many of us and the commitment and dedication of our integrated team reflects our belief in their mission – one we know has the ability to significantly save and change lives.' About Achieve Achieve Life Sciences is a late-stage specialty pharmaceutical company committed to addressing the global smoking health and nicotine dependence epidemic through the development and commercialization of cytisinicline. In June 2025, the company submitted its New Drug Application to the FDA for cytisinicline as a treatment of nicotine dependence for smoking cessation in adults, based on two successfully completed Phase 3 studies and its fully enrolled open-label safety study. Additionally, the company has completed a Phase 2 study with cytisinicline in vaping cessation and conducted a successful end-of-Phase 2 meeting with the FDA for a future vaping indication. About Cytisinicline There are approximately 29 million adults in the United States who smoke combustible cigarettes. 1 Tobacco use is currently the leading cause of preventable death that is responsible for more than eight million deaths worldwide and nearly half a million deaths in the United States annually. 2,3 More than 87% of lung cancer deaths, 61% of all pulmonary disease deaths, and 32% of all deaths from coronary heart disease are attributable to smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke. 3 In addition, there are approximately 17 million adults in the United States who use e-cigarettes, also known as vaping. 4 In 2024, approximately 1.6 million middle and high school students in the United States reported using e-cigarettes. 5 There are no FDA-approved treatments indicated specifically as an aid to nicotine e-cigarette cessation. Cytisinicline has been granted Breakthrough Therapy designation by the FDA to address this critical need. Cytisinicline is a plant-based alkaloid with a high binding affinity to the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor. It is believed to aid in treating nicotine addiction for smoking and e-cigarette cessation by interacting with nicotine receptors in the brain, reducing the severity of nicotine craving symptoms, and reducing the reward and satisfaction associated with nicotine products. Cytisinicline is an investigational product candidate being developed as a treatment of nicotine dependence for smoking cessation and has not been approved by the Food and Drug Administration for any indication in the United States. About Omnicom Group Inc. Omnicom Group Inc. (NYSE: OMC) ( is a leading global marketing and corporate communications company. Omnicom's branded networks and numerous specialty firms provide advertising, strategic media planning and buying, digital and interactive marketing, direct and promotional marketing, public relations and other specialty communications services to over 5,000 clients in more than 70 countries. Follow us on X for the latest news. About Goodby, Silverstein & Partners At Goodby Silverstein & Partners, we believe in mass intimacy—creating campaigns that speak to millions but feel like they're made just for you. We combine brilliant strategy, breakthrough creativity and the innovative use of technology to build enduring ideas that drive results for some of the world's most iconic brands. While maintaining our independent spirit, our network affiliation provides global scale and access to proprietary tools and discipline-specific specialists including PR, multicultural, experiential and media. Visit us at About DDB Health DDB Health is a global network of healthcare communications companies. At DDB Health we are 100% dedicated to healthcare, particularly in the specialty science space. DDB Health specializes in HCP promotions, including brand and campaign development, insight/data generation, portfolio management, scientific branding, and market-shaping activities, ensuring customers are educated in the latest advancements to help them engage effectively with patients and caregivers. We are uniquely supported by a range of specialized services, including multichannel engagement, innovation experts, strategic planning, medical execution, and data and analytics. As a part of Omnicom Health, DDB Health has access to in-network resources with expertise in payer, media, and medical education. Visit us at About Credera Credera is a global, boutique consulting firm that creates measurable results at the intersection of strategy, data, innovation, and technology. Credera works with leading companies across the globe from strategy through execution at offices in 16 countries. Credera's deep business acumen and technical expertise, combined with a true dedication to building trusted relationships, unlocks remarkable performance for our clients. Our mission is to make an extraordinary impact on our clients, our people, and our communities. Visit us at Credera. About Ketchum Established in 1923, Ketchum's century of continuous evolution is a testament to our progress. Our storied journey is fueled by our guiding principles of empathy and intelligence. Progress allows us to create a thriving environment where we embrace innovation and deliver excellence with our people and partners, producing work that matters. Driven by data, we develop culture-first work at the intersection of industry and capability. With 150+ Cannes Lions, our global communications consultancy is one of the most creatively awarded firms in our industry. We are Ketchum: Progress at Work. For more information on Ketchum, a part of Omnicom PR Group, visit Forward Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the 'safe harbor' provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including, but not limited to, statements regarding the timing and nature of cytisinicline clinical development and regulatory review and approval, data results and commercialization activities, the potential market size for cytisinicline, the potential benefits, efficacy, safety and tolerability of cytisinicline, the development and effectiveness of new treatments, and the successful commercialization of cytisinicline. All statements other than statements of historical fact are statements that could be deemed forward-looking statements. Achieve may not actually achieve its plans or product development goals in a timely manner, if at all, or otherwise carry out its intentions or meet its expectations or projections disclosed in these forward-looking statements. These statements are based on management's current expectations and beliefs and are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties and assumptions that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements, including, among others, the risk that cytisinicline may not demonstrate the hypothesized or expected benefits; the risk that Achieve may not be able to obtain additional financing to fund the development and commercialization of cytisinicline; the risk that cytisinicline will not receive regulatory approval in a timely manner or at all, or be successfully commercialized; the risk that new developments in the smoking and vaping cessation landscapes require changes in business strategy or clinical development plans; the risk that Achieve's intellectual property may not be adequately protected; general business and economic conditions; risks related to the impact on our business of macroeconomic and geopolitical conditions, including fluctuating inflation, interest and tariff rates, volatility in the debt and equity markets, actual or perceived instability in the global banking system, global health crises and pandemics and geopolitical conflict and the other factors described in the risk factors set forth in Achieve's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission from time to time, including Achieve's Annual Reports on Form 10-K and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. Achieve undertakes no obligation to update the forward-looking statements contained herein or to reflect events or circumstances occurring after the date hereof, other than as may be required by applicable. Achieve Contact Nicole Jones ir@ 425-686-1510 References 1 VanFrank B, Malarcher A, Cornelius ME, Schecter A, Jamal A, Tynan M. Adult Smoking Cessation — United States, 2022. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2024;73:633–641. 2 World Health Organization. WHO Report on the Global Tobacco Epidemic, 2019. Geneva: World Health Organization, 2017. 3 U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The Health Consequences of Smoking – 50 Years of Progress. A Report of the Surgeon General, 2014. 4 Vahratian A, Briones EM, Jamal A, Marynak KL. Electronic cigarette use among adults in the United States, 2019–2023. NCHS Data Brief, no 524. Hyattsville, MD: National Center for Health Statistics. 2025. DOI: 10.15620/cdc/174583. 5 Jamal A, Park-Lee E, Birdsey J, et al. Tobacco Product Use Among Middle and High School Students — National Youth Tobacco Survey, United States, 2024. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2024;73:917–924.
Yahoo
27-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Achieve Life Sciences Announces Pricing of $45.0 Million Underwritten Public Offering
SEATTLE and VANCOUVER, British Columbia, June 26, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Achieve Life Sciences, Inc. (Nasdaq: ACHV), a late-stage specialty pharmaceutical company focused on the global development and commercialization of cytisinicline as a treatment of nicotine dependence for smoking cessation, today announced the pricing of an underwritten public offering of 15,000,000 shares of its common stock and accompanying common warrants to purchase up to 15,000,000 shares of common stock. The shares of common stock and accompanying common warrants were offered collectively at a price to the public of $3.00 per share and accompanying common warrant. Achieve has also granted the underwriters a 30-day option to purchase up to an additional 2,250,000 shares of common stock and/or accompanying common warrants to purchase up to an additional 2,250,000 shares of common stock (or pre-funded warrants in lieu thereof) in connection with the public offering. Each common warrant will be exercisable, at the purchaser's election, for either common stock at an exercise price of $3.00 per share or for pre-funded warrants, with an exercise price of $2.999 per pre-funded warrant. Such common stock warrants are exercisable any time after the date of issuance, subject to certain ownership limitations, and will expire five years from the date of issuance. All of the securities are being offered by Achieve. The offering is expected to close on or about June 30, 2025, subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions. Citizens Capital Markets and Raymond James are acting as the joint book-running managers in the offering. Lake Street Capital Markets, LLC is acting as financial advisor to Achieve in the offering. The aggregate gross proceeds from this offering are expected to be approximately $45.0 million, before deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and other offering expenses payable by Achieve. Achieve intends to use the proceeds from the offering to fund continued advancement of cytisinicline through potential U.S. Food and Drug Administration marketing approval of cytisinicline and for working capital and general corporate purposes. The securities are being offered by Achieve pursuant to a registration statement on Form S-3 previously filed and declared effective by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). A final prospectus supplement and accompanying base prospectus relating to and describing the terms of the offering will be filed with the SEC and will be available on the SEC's website at Copies of the final prospectus supplement and accompanying base prospectus may also be obtained, when available, from: Citizens Capital Markets, at 450 Park Avenue, 5th Floor, New York, NY 10022, or by calling (415) 835-8985, or by email at syndicate@ and Raymond James at Equity Syndicate, 880 Carillon Parkway, St. Petersburg, Florida 33716, by telephone at (800) 248-8863, or by email at prospectus@ This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities of Achieve, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction. About Achieve Life Sciences, Inc. Achieve Life Sciences is a late-stage specialty pharmaceutical company committed to addressing the global smoking health and nicotine dependence epidemic through the development and commercialization of cytisinicline. In June 2025, the company submitted its New Drug Application to the FDA for cytisinicline as a treatment of nicotine dependence for smoking cessation in adults, based on two successfully completed Phase 3 studies and its fully enrolled open-label safety study. Additionally, the company has completed a Phase 2 study with cytisinicline in vaping cessation and conducted a successful end-of-Phase 2 meeting with the FDA for a future vaping indication. About CytisiniclineThere are approximately 29 million adults in the United States who smoke combustible cigarettes.1 Tobacco use is currently the leading cause of preventable death that is responsible for more than eight million deaths worldwide and nearly half a million deaths in the United States annually.2,3 More than 87% of lung cancer deaths, 61% of all pulmonary disease deaths, and 32% of all deaths from coronary heart disease are attributable to smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke.3 In addition, there are approximately 17 million adults in the United States who use e-cigarettes, also known as vaping.4 In 2024, approximately 1.6 million middle and high school students in the United States reported using e-cigarettes.5 There are no FDA-approved treatments indicated specifically as an aid to nicotine e-cigarette cessation. Cytisinicline has been granted Breakthrough Therapy designation by the FDA to address this critical need. Cytisinicline is a plant-based alkaloid with a high binding affinity to the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor. It is believed to aid in treating nicotine addiction for smoking and e-cigarette cessation by interacting with nicotine receptors in the brain, reducing the severity of nicotine craving symptoms, and reducing the reward and satisfaction associated with nicotine products. Cytisinicline is an investigational product candidate being developed as a treatment of nicotine dependence for smoking cessation and has not been approved by the Food and Drug Administration for any indication in the United States. Forward-Looking StatementsThis press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the 'safe harbor' provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including, but not limited to, statements regarding the timing, size and expected gross proceeds of the offering, the expected use of the proceeds, the satisfaction of customary closing conditions related to the offering and sale of securities, Achieve's ability to complete the offering, the timing and nature of cytisinicline clinical development and regulatory review and approval, data results and commercialization activities, the potential market size for cytisinicline, the potential benefits, efficacy, safety and tolerability of cytisinicline, the development and effectiveness of new treatments, and the successful commercialization of cytisinicline. All statements other than statements of historical fact are statements that could be deemed forward-looking statements. Achieve may not actually achieve its plans or product development goals in a timely manner, if at all, or otherwise carry out its intentions or meet its expectations or projections disclosed in these forward-looking statements. There can be no assurance regarding the completion of this offering. These statements are based on management's current expectations and beliefs and are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties and assumptions that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements, , including those risks described in the risk factors set forth in Achieve's Annual Reports on Form 10-K and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. Achieve undertakes no obligation to update the forward-looking statements contained herein or to reflect events or circumstances occurring after the date hereof, other than as may be required by applicable law. Investor Relations ContactNicole Jonesir@ 686-1510 References1VanFrank B, Malarcher A, Cornelius ME, Schecter A, Jamal A, Tynan M. Adult Smoking Cessation — United States, 2022. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2024;73:633–641.2World Health Organization. WHO Report on the Global Tobacco Epidemic, 2019. Geneva: World Health Organization, 2017.3U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The Health Consequences of Smoking – 50 Years of Progress. A Report of the Surgeon General, 2014.4Vahratian A, Briones EM, Jamal A, Marynak KL. Electronic cigarette use among adults in the United States, 2019–2023. NCHS Data Brief, no 524. Hyattsville, MD: National Center for Health Statistics. 2025. DOI: 10.15620/cdc/174583.5Jamal A, Park-Lee E, Birdsey J, et al. Tobacco Product Use Among Middle and High School Students — National Youth Tobacco Survey, United States, 2024. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2024;73:917–924.
The Guardian
23-06-2025
- Health
- The Guardian
Vapes threaten to undo gains in tackling dangers of tobacco, health leaders warn
Aggressively marketed vapes threaten to undo progress made on smoking control, according to the World Health Organization. Officials, speaking at the World Conference on Tobacco Control in Dublin, said efforts were stalling when it came to helping tobacco users to quit, campaigning in the media on the dangers, and imposing higher taxes on tobacco products. Young people were particularly vulnerable, it added. Countries should consider extending the graphic health warnings already required on cigarette packets to vapes or e-cigarettes, heated tobacco products and nicotine pouches, the WHO said. In many countries, tobacco products had become more affordable in the past decade, the report said, despite a WHO recommendation that cigarettes should be taxed at 75%. While cigarettes became less affordable in 46 countries, they became more affordable in 42 others, including 23 low or middle-income countries. In 133 countries, vapes and similar devices are now regulated in some way – up from only eight in 2007. However, 62 countries apply no regulations at all. The extent of regulation varies, with almost 90% of wealthier countries either regulating or banning sales, compared with 66% of middle-income and only 27% of poor countries. In the UK, disposable vapes were banned this month in a bid to prevent young people using them and on environmental grounds. Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO director general, said: 'Twenty years since the adoption of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, we have many successes to celebrate, but the tobacco industry continues to evolve and so must we.' The report highlights nicotine pouches and heated tobacco products, as well as vapes, as examples of new products. Dr Rüdiger Krech, the WHO's director of health promotion, said they were 'aggressively marketed in ways that undermine hard-won public health gains'. He said national regulators could not be expected to deal with an onslaught of 'thousands' of new products, which represented an attempt by tobacco companies to focus attention away from their 'major business' of traditional tobacco. He added, however, that it was 'hugely important to regulate these new products, because they are attracting children and young people to actually use nicotine, and that's with the addiction that it brings', which he said would lead to tobacco use. Data is not available for all countries, but surveys suggest about 6% of children aged 13 to 15 use e-cigarettes. The WHO report on the global tobacco epidemic focuses on six tobacco control measures and rates countries on how far they have implemented them. These include taxation, introducing smoke-free air legislation, and offering smokers help to quit. Other measures include monitoring tobacco use and prevention policies, bans on tobacco advertising and sponsorship, and warning people about the dangers via pack labels and information campaigns. Since 2007, 155 countries have implemented at least one of the six measures at 'best-practice' level, the report found, with four countries – Brazil, Mauritius, the Netherlands and Turkey – implementing the full package. However, 40 countries have no measure at best-practice level, and more than 30 countries still allow cigarettes to be sold with no mandatory health warning. It means billions of people remain unprotected from the ill effects of tobacco, which claims kills more than 7 million people a year, the report warned. Alison Cox, director of policy and advocacy at the NCD [non-communicable disease] Alliance, said: 'It's clear that there is a long way to go if we are to reduce the many unnecessary tobacco related illnesses and premature deaths still occurring globally. 'Raising taxes is one of the most effective measures that offers governments a triple win of reducing tobacco consumption, saving lives and healthcare costs, while raising much-needed revenue.'
Japan Times
03-06-2025
- Business
- Japan Times
Global crises disrupt effort to get millions to quit smoking
The COVID-19 pandemic, climate change and wars have combined to hamper global governments' plans to reduce tobacco use, derailing efforts to get an estimated 95 million people to stop smoking, a report endorsed by 57 campaign groups said on Friday. Governments had planned to reduce smoking rates among people over 15 by 30% between 2010 and 2025 as part of an action plan tied to global sustainable development targets agreed in 2015. But the timeline to achieve the goal was extended an extra five years in 2024 as other priorities pushed countries to divert resources away from implementing a World Health Organization treaty on tobacco control signed by 168 countries. "This ... delay represents an estimated 95 million additional tobacco users, who would otherwise have quit by 2025," said the report, submitted to the U.N. Economic and Social Council, which oversees global sustainable development. While governments have succeeded in reducing the number of smokers, the failure to hit the 30% reduction target means that 1,207,800,000 people are still smoking globally, instead of the target of 1,112,400,000, based on smoking rates and population figures provided in the report. Published by Action on Smoking and Health Canada and endorsed by the Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids, Cancer Research U.K. and others, the report warned the delays could result in millions of additional deaths from tobacco use if sustained. The U.N. has already acknowledged that funding shortfalls, geopolitical tensions and pandemic-linked disruptions have pushed the world off track on most of the 17 wide-ranging sustainable development goals. Those goals aim, among other things, to reduce poverty and hunger and increase access to healthcare and education. The groups that endorsed ASH Canada's report urged governments to redouble their efforts on tobacco control policies such as tax increases and smoking bans.
Reuters
30-05-2025
- Business
- Reuters
Global crises disrupt effort to get millions to quit smoking, report says
LONDON, May 30 (Reuters) - The COVID-19 pandemic, climate change and wars have combined to hamper global governments' plans to reduce tobacco use, derailing efforts to get an estimated 95 million people to stop smoking, a report endorsed by 57 campaign groups said on Friday. Governments had planned to reduce smoking rates among people over 15 by 30% between 2010 and 2025 as part of an action plan tied to global sustainable development targets agreed in 2015. But the timeline to achieve the goal was extended an extra five years in 2024 as other priorities pushed countries to divert resources away from implementing a World Health Organization treaty on tobacco control signed by 168 countries. "This ... delay represents an estimated 95 million additional tobacco users, who would otherwise have quit by 2025," said the report, submitted to the U.N. Economic and Social Council, which oversees global sustainable development. While governments have succeeded in reducing the number of smokers, the failure to hit the 30% reduction target means that 1,207,800,000 people are still smoking globally, instead of the target of 1,112,400,000, based on a Reuters calculation using smoking rates and population figures provided in the report. Published by Action on Smoking and Health Canada and endorsed by the Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids, Cancer Research UK and others, the report warned the delays could result in millions of additional deaths from tobacco use if sustained. The U.N. has already acknowledged that funding shortfalls, geopolitical tensions and pandemic-linked disruptions have pushed the world off track on most of the 17 wide-ranging sustainable development goals. Those goals aim, among other things, to reduce poverty and hunger and increase access to healthcare and education. The groups that endorsed ASH Canada's report urged governments to redouble their efforts on tobacco control policies such as tax increases and smoking bans.
