How nicotine pouch ingredients and strength affect addictiveness

Effect of Product Characteristics on the Abuse Liability of Nicotine Pouches

NIH-funded research Emory University · NIH-11336289

This project looks at whether nicotine level and acidity in oral nicotine pouches make them more appealing and addictive for young adults and e-cigarette users.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionEmory University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Atlanta, United States)
Project IDNIH-11336289 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

If you join, you'll try different nicotine pouches that vary in nicotine amount and acidity while researchers record how they feel and how the products affect the mouth and body. The team will measure nicotine levels in the blood and collect ratings of taste, irritation, and desire to use more. Sessions will be conducted in clinical settings with controlled product use and brief follow-up measurements. Results aim to link specific product features to how quickly nicotine is absorbed and how likely people are to keep using the pouches.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates are young adults who currently use e-cigarettes or other nicotine products and are willing to try nicotine pouches in a supervised clinic setting.

Not a fit: People who do not use nicotine, those under 18, and pregnant individuals would likely not benefit from or be eligible for this work.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, the findings could help regulators limit product features that increase addictiveness and better protect young people.

How similar studies have performed: Previous laboratory studies show that higher nicotine and protonated (acidified) nicotine can increase uptake and appeal, but nicotine pouches are newer and long-term evidence is limited.

Where this research is happening

Atlanta, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.