Effect of Product Characteristics on the Abuse Liability of Nicotine Pouches
Emory University
Summary
The goal of this study is to assess the effects of nicotine concentration and its interplay with pH on sensory experience, product appeal, and abuse liability of NPs among young adults NP users. Primary objective is to assess the effect of variation in nicotine concentration in nicotine pouches (NPs) and its interaction effect with pH level on three proximal outcomes of relevance to regulation: (1) sensory experience, (2) product appeal, and (3) abuse liability of NPs.
Description
Oral nicotine pouches (NPs) are a rapidly growing segment of nicotine products regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). These microfiber pouches contain nicotine but no tobacco leaf, and they dissolve in the mouth without requiring spitting. Between late 2019 and early 2022, NP sales surged from 126 million to 808 million units. Their sleek packaging, concealability, and "tobacco-free" claims have made them particularly appealing to young adults, with recent studies showing that over 10% of young adults reported using NPs in the past 30 days. However, this popularity raises he…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 21–35 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Yes
Inclusion Criteria: * Current established users of nicotine pouches (have used nicotine pouches in the past 30 days \& currently use nicotine pouches every day or someday) * Positive cotinine test via saliva test strip * Those who are unmotivated to quit nicotine use * Read and speak English. * Poly-users of nicotine pouches, e-cigarettes (e.g., vape ≥20 days/month), and tobacco (e.g., ≥4 cigarettes/day for ≥2 years) will be eligible for participation Exclusion Criteria * Planning to cut down or quit using nicotine in the next 30 days * Currently pregnant or breastfeeding * History of strok…
Interventions
- OtherNicotine pouch: Low dose
Nicotine pouch: 3-4 mg
- OtherNicotine pouch: High dose
Nicotine pouch: 6-8 mg
- OtherLow pH
Nicotine pouch with low pH level \[\<8.5\]
- OtherHigh pH
Nicotine pouch with high pH level \[\>8.5\]
Location
- Rollins School of Public HealthAtlanta, Georgia