Reynolds American Inc., maker of Camel cigarettes, is in talks to buy a Swedish company that helps people quit smoking, according to a report by the Wall Street Journal.

The Wall Street Journal is reporting online Monday that the second-largest U.S. tobacco company is eyeing Niconovum AB, which sells such nicotine-replacement products as gum and spray outside the U.S.

David Sweanor, a Canadian law professor and tobacco expert, said he was briefed by people close to the talks and the deal could be worth $44.5 million, according to the report.

Karl Olov Fagerstrom, an expert on smoking cessation and nicotine dependence, formed the company in 2000, according to its Web site.

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Sweanor and Niconovum did not immediately return calls seeking comment.

Reynolds American spokesman David Howard declined to comment, calling the report speculation.