Harm-reduction sampling to help people not ready to quit smoking
Official title: Catalyzing Cigarette Smoking Cessation Through Harm Reduction Sampling Among People Unmotivated to Quit
Funded at University of Pennsylvania · NIH-11397774 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A practical approach tests whether giving people who aren’t ready to quit access to harm-reduction smoking aids can help them move toward quitting.
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 | August 18, 2025 |
| Project end | July 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $650,331 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA302758-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11397774 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults 21 years or older who are currently smoking and are not motivated to quit, with active follow-up availability.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals who are highly motivated to quit immediately or those unable to participate in follow-up may see limited or no benefit.
What this research studies
This project explores using harm-reduction product sampling, like starter supplies of e-cigarettes, to engage adults who smoke but do not want to quit right now. It builds on prior findings that providing a short course of a fewer-harm option can influence smoking behavior and motivation. The study plans to compare different sampling strategies and track how these approaches affect cigarette use, cravings, and transitioning toward reduced smoking over time. Researchers aim to identify which self-selected products best support movement away from combustible cigarettes in real-world settings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the approach could broaden options for people not yet ready to quit and potentially reduce exposure to harmful tobacco toxicants.
How similar studies have gone: Previous harm-reduction sampling studies showed that providing a 4-week supply of e-cigarettes influenced smoking behavior compared with no provision.
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
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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.