Exploring safer nicotine options for smokers who want to quit
Official title: Alternative Nicotine Delivery Systems as Potential Harm Reduction Tools for Persistent Cigarette Smokers
Funded at University of Pennsylvania · NIH-11061913 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at whether switching from regular cigarettes to options like e-cigarettes and nicotine pouches can help adult smokers lower their health risks, and it aims to find out what helps or hinders this change.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $650,091 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA290541-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11061913 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adult smokers who are looking to quit but have struggled with traditional cessation methods.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not smoke or who have successfully quit smoking may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the potential of alternative nicotine delivery systems, such as e-cigarettes and oral nicotine pouches, as tools to help adult cigarette smokers reduce their health risks. The study aims to understand whether persistent smokers can successfully switch from traditional combustible cigarettes to these less harmful products. It will also explore the factors that influence this transition, providing insights into how to better support smokers in their quitting journey.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide smokers with safer alternatives to traditional cigarettes, potentially reducing smoking-related health risks.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that alternative nicotine delivery systems can be effective for some smokers, indicating promise for this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Audrain-Mcgovern, Janet E — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Audrain-Mcgovern, Janet E
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.