Comparing the effects of smoking and non-smoking tobacco products on addiction
Official title: Comparative neurobehavioral pharmacology of combusted and non-combusted tobacco products
Funded at Hennepin Healthcare Research Institute · NIH-10846754 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how different types of tobacco products, like regular cigarettes and e-cigarettes, affect addiction, using animal models to understand why traditional cigarettes might be more addictive, with the goal of helping to create safer tobacco options for everyone.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Hennepin Healthcare Research Institute NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Minneapolis, United States) |
| Project start | July 15, 2020 |
| Project end | May 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $633,574 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DA048899-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-10846754 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who currently use or have used tobacco products and are interested in understanding their addiction potential.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have never used tobacco products or are not interested in tobacco cessation may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how different tobacco products, specifically combusted cigarettes and non-combusted alternatives like electronic cigarettes and smokeless tobacco, affect addiction. By studying animal models, the researchers aim to uncover the biological mechanisms that contribute to the higher addiction potential of traditional cigarettes compared to their non-combusted counterparts. The study will analyze the behavioral and neurobiological impacts of various tobacco extracts, focusing on both nicotine and other constituents that may influence addiction. This comprehensive approach seeks to provide insights that could inform safer tobacco product development.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and development of less addictive tobacco products, ultimately helping individuals reduce their dependence on traditional cigarettes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown varying success in understanding addiction mechanisms in tobacco products, but this specific comparative approach is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Hennepin Healthcare Research Institute
Minneapolis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lesage, Mark G — Hennepin Healthcare Research Institute
- Study coordinator: Lesage, Mark G
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.