A new virtual reality app to help people quit vaping
Official title: Novel, On-demand VR for Accessible, Practical, and Engaging therapy (NO VAPE)
Funded at Charles River Analytics, INC. · NIH-11194562 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a fun virtual reality app called NO VAPE that helps young people quit vaping by using interactive activities based on proven therapy techniques, making it easier and more engaging for them to break free from nicotine.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 2 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Charles River Analytics, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cambridge, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | February 29, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $812,602 |
| NIH project number | 4R44DA059018-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11194562 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include adolescents and young adults who are currently vaping and seeking support to quit.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not currently vaping or who are seeking treatment for other substance use disorders may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a virtual reality (VR) application designed to assist individuals in quitting vaping through cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). The app, called NO VAPE, aims to make cessation support more accessible and engaging, particularly for adolescents and young adults who face barriers to traditional treatment options. By utilizing immersive VR technology, the program seeks to provide an interactive and practical approach to help users overcome their dependence on nicotine. The study will evaluate the effectiveness of this innovative digital therapeutic in promoting abstinence from vaping.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a novel and effective tool for individuals struggling with vaping addiction, improving their chances of quitting.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success with similar digital therapeutic approaches, particularly in smoking cessation, indicating potential for this novel application.
Where this research is happening
-
Charles River Analytics, INC.
Cambridge, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bracken, Bethany K — Charles River Analytics, INC.
- Study coordinator: Bracken, Bethany K
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.