Cigarette smoking is responsible for the death of 1 in 10 adults worldwide. This translates to 1 death every 8 seconds as a result of tobacco-related disease. Already a major burden on society, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is predicted to become 1 of the 5 leading medical burdens on society in the next 20 years. Smoking cessation is considered to be very difficult, yet it is the only way to effectively prevent the accelerated decrease in lung volume associated with COPD. Amfebutamone [bupropion; 'Zyban'], the first nicotine-free smoking cessation drug, has already been launched in the US and Europe. Studies involving patients who are healthy, aside from their cigarette smoking habit, show amfebutamone to be more effective than placebo as an aid to the withdrawal of cigarettes.