Pfizer halted Chantix distribution then recalled a dozen batches. Now, a generic's here to help fill the shortage

Pfizer’s reign over the smoking treatment space with its cessation med Chantix is coming to a close.

Trying to fill a recent shortage for Pfizer’s smoking med caused by safety concerns, the FDA has approved Par Pharmaceuticals’ copycat version, also known as varenicline, “well ahead” of its expected review date, the agency said a statement on Wednesday.