Investigating how fruit flavors in e-cigarettes help smokers switch from combustible cigarettes
Official title: The role of flavor in the substitutability of e-cigarettes for combustible cigarettes among persistent smokers
Funded at University of Pennsylvania · NIH-11012370 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at whether fruit-flavored e-cigarettes can help people who smoke regular cigarettes switch to a less harmful option, making it easier for them to quit smoking altogether.
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 | January 17, 2024 |
| Project end | December 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $618,144 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA287474-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11012370 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adult smokers who have been unable to quit smoking and are open to trying e-cigarettes as an alternative.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have successfully quit smoking or those who do not smoke combustible cigarettes may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores how the availability of fruit-flavored e-cigarettes may help persistent smokers transition away from traditional combustible cigarettes. By examining the appeal and accessibility of these flavored products, the study aims to determine if they can serve as a more effective substitute for smokers who struggle to quit. The approach includes both laboratory and clinical assessments to evaluate the preferences and behaviors of smokers when presented with different e-cigarette flavors. The findings could provide valuable insights into harm reduction strategies for smoking cessation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective smoking cessation strategies that reduce health risks associated with combustible cigarette use.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has indicated that flavored e-cigarettes may be more appealing to smokers, suggesting potential success 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
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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.