Investigating how synthetic coolants in vaping products affect addiction behaviors

Determining the impact of synthetic coolants on abuse liability and initiation-related behaviors

NIH-funded research Marshall University · NIH-11084577

This study is looking at how new synthetic coolants in vaping products might affect how people get addicted to nicotine, especially as menthol flavors are being banned, and it’s designed to help guide public health decisions.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionMarshall University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Huntington, UNITED STATES)
Project IDNIH-11084577 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on understanding the effects of synthetic coolants, which are increasingly used in vaping products, on addiction-related behaviors associated with nicotine. As menthol flavors are being banned, these synthetic alternatives may mimic menthol's impact on addiction. The study will employ a novel vapor self-administration assay to link vaping behaviors to biological markers of nicotine abuse. By identifying how these coolants influence addiction, the research aims to inform public health policies and regulatory decisions.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include adolescents and young adults who use or are at risk of using vaping products containing synthetic coolants.

Not a fit: Patients who do not use vaping products or have no interest in nicotine-related behaviors may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better regulations on vaping products, potentially reducing addiction rates among users.

How similar studies have performed: While the specific focus on synthetic coolants is novel, previous research has shown that flavoring agents can significantly impact addiction behaviors in nicotine products.

Where this research is happening

Huntington, 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.
Conditions addictive disorder
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.