BOSTON -- Local researchers are testing a pill that may help smokers kick the habit.

Researchers Seek Study Participants: Ages 18-75 Smoke 10 cigarettes per day Otherwise in good health For More Info Call: 617-724-0736

NewsCenter 5's Heather Unruh reported that Massachusetts General Hospital researchers are studying Verencline, a new drug that may reduce withdrawal symptoms experienced when someone quits smoking.

Unlike other stop-smoking products on the market, Verencline is not an antidepressant, nor does it contain nicotine.

"It works on nicotine receptors in the brain, but it's not nicotine," said Dr. Nancy Rigotti. "It also sits on the receptors in the brain so if someone smokes while they're taking this drug, they won't get the same effect, the same hit they get when they smoke cigarettes."

The study will run to July 2004, and participants will be given either the new drug for 12 weeks, the already-FDA-approved stop-smoking drug Zyban, or a placebo medication.