San Diego, March 5, 1999 - This year about 20 million of the 50 million smokers in this country will use various therapies to try to quit. Only 6% will succeed.

Today at the Sheraton Hotel over 350 scientists who study nicotine and tobacco will present papers, hold symposia and display over 400 posters summarizing results of their research.

Highlights of what will be discussed at the 4 day meeting include:

• Over The Counter Use of Nicotine Medications in the U.S.: Research Findings and Future Directions

• Sex Differences in Nicotine Reinforcement and Effects

• The Search for Genetic Mechanisms in Smoking