Investigating how different tobacco products affect toxicity and addiction
Official title: Penn State TCORS: Tobacco Product Composition Effects on Toxicity and Addiction
Funded at Pennsylvania State Univ Hershey Med Ctr · NIH-10934524 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how different tobacco products, like e-cigarettes and nicotine pouches, can be harmful, and it's for anyone interested in finding safer options for using nicotine.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Pennsylvania State Univ Hershey Med Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Hershey, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $3,929,880 |
| NIH project number | 5U54DA058271-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10934524 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals who currently use tobacco products or are at risk of tobacco addiction.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not use tobacco products or have no interest in nicotine consumption may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the harmful effects of various tobacco products, including e-cigarettes, little cigars, and nicotine pouches. The team at Penn State will develop new methods to assess the toxicity and addiction potential of these products, aiming to provide scientific evidence that can guide regulatory actions by the FDA. By examining the biological effects of oxidants found in tobacco smoke and aerosols, the research seeks to identify safer alternatives for nicotine consumption. This work builds on previous findings regarding reduced nicotine standards and aims to minimize tobacco-related harm.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to safer tobacco products and better regulatory policies that reduce addiction and toxicity for users.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in understanding the effects of tobacco product design on addiction and toxicity, indicating that this approach has a solid scientific foundation.
Where this research is happening
-
Pennsylvania State Univ Hershey Med Ctr
Hershey, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Muscat, Joshua E — Pennsylvania State Univ Hershey Med Ctr
- Study coordinator: Muscat, Joshua 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.