Best sequence of medications plus virtual support to help people quit smoking
Comparative Effectiveness of Sequential Pharmacotherapeutic Strategies and Virtually Delivered Treatment to Optimize Smoking Cessation
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF TX MD ANDERSON CAN CTR · NIH-11251227
This project compares two starter medicines and different follow-up medication plans, all with online counseling, to help adults in Texas quit smoking.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF TX MD ANDERSON CAN CTR (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (HOUSTON, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11251227 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
You would start with either varenicline or a combination nicotine-replacement patch/lozenge for six weeks with counseling delivered online. If you haven't quit after six weeks, the trial would re-randomize you to either continue the same medicine, switch to the other medicine, or add/increase FDA-approved medications as a rescue strategy. All care and counseling are provided virtually so you can participate from home, and the trial will enroll about 2,000 adults across Texas. The study uses a SMART design to tailor treatment steps based on how well you respond.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults aged 21 and older who live in Texas, currently smoke, want to quit, and are willing to use medications and virtual counseling are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People who are under the study age cutoff, live outside Texas, are pregnant or have medical contraindications to the study medications, or who refuse medication or virtual visits may not be eligible or benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could raise the number of people who quit and stay smoke-free by identifying the most helpful sequences of medicines combined with virtual counseling.
How similar studies have performed: Varenicline and combination nicotine-replacement therapies have been effective on their own, but using a sequential SMART approach delivered entirely virtually is a newer, less-tested strategy.
Where this research is happening
HOUSTON, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF TX MD ANDERSON CAN CTR — HOUSTON, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: ROBINSON, JASON D — UNIVERSITY OF TX MD ANDERSON CAN CTR
- Study coordinator: ROBINSON, JASON D
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 below.
Conditions: Chronic Disease