Alternative Nicotine Delivery Systems as Potential Harm Reduction Tools for Persistent Cigarette Smokers
Abramson Cancer Center at Penn Medicine
Summary
This between-subjects study aims to evaluate whether e-cigarettes (ECIGS) versus oral nicotine pouches (ONPS) more readily substitute for combustible cigarettes among 200 cigarette smokers. After measuring baseline cigarette smoking rate, participants will be randomized to ECIGS or ONPS and be instructed to switch (versus smoking cigarettes) over a 6-week period. Relative reductions in biomarkers of exposure will be measured. ECIG- and ONP-associated subjective reward and the reinforcing value of ECIGS and ONPS relative to combustible cigarettes will be assessed as mechanisms.
Description
E-cigarettes (ECIGS), and oral nicotine pouches (ONPs), expose users to few of the chemicals found in cigarette smoke and are thus promising noncombustible harm reduction tools for smokers who would not otherwise quit smoking. For their harm reduction potential to be realized, fundamental questions must be answered. One, can persistent smokers switch from combustible cigarettes to either ECIGS or ONPS? Two, what factors influence switching? Three, does one of these noncombustible alternatives expose users to lower levels of harmful chemicals than the other? The proposed research will fill thes…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 21+ years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Yes
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Able to communicate fluently in English (i.e. speaking, writing, and reading) 2. Male and female smokers who are \> 21 years of age and self-report smoking at least 5 cigarettes (menthol and/or non-menthol) per day for at least the last 6 months. 3. 5 or more failed quit attempts and the use of smoking cessation medication on at least one prior attempt. 4. Have a carbon monoxide (CO) greater than 10 ppm. 5. Not using any forms of nicotine regularly other than cigarettes 6. Be willing to switch to e-cigarettes or nicotine pouches for 6 weeks. 7. Plan to live in the area…
Interventions
- OtherE-cigarettes
Participants randomized to ECIGS are instructed to switch from smoking combustible cigarettes to using e-cigarettes for 6 weeks. They will be provided with an e-cigarette device and nicotine pods.
- OtherOral nicotine pouches
Participants randomized to ONPS are instructed to switch from smoking combustible cigarettes to using nicotine pouches for 6 weeks. They will be provided with nicotine pouches.
Location
- University of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphia, Pennsylvania