Investigating a new heated tobacco product as a substitute for menthol cigarettes

The Abuse Liability of a Novel Heated Tobacco Product (IQOS) and Its Feasibility as a Menthol Cigarette Substitute.

NIH-funded research Virginia Commonwealth University · NIH-10861789

This study is looking at whether menthol cigarette smokers are open to trying a new heated tobacco product called IQOS, which might be a safer option, and how the availability of menthol flavors in IQOS influences their decision to make the switch.

Quick facts

Grant typeFellowship grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionVirginia Commonwealth University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Richmond, United States)
Project IDNIH-10861789 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research explores whether menthol smokers can switch to a new heated tobacco product called IQOS, which may be less harmful than traditional cigarettes. The study will assess how the availability of menthol flavors in IQOS affects smokers' willingness to transition from menthol cigarettes. Participants will undergo a two-week trial, where their tobacco use patterns will be monitored, including nicotine delivery and subjective experiences. The goal is to understand if heated tobacco products can effectively reduce smoking-related health risks for menthol cigarette users.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adult menthol cigarette smokers who are unable to quit smoking and are interested in exploring alternatives.

Not a fit: Patients who do not smoke or who smoke non-menthol cigarettes may not receive any benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide menthol smokers with a safer alternative to traditional cigarettes, potentially reducing health risks associated with smoking.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in using heated tobacco products as alternatives to traditional cigarettes, suggesting potential for success in this approach.

Where this research is happening

Richmond, 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.