Investigating the health effects of switching from smoking to non-combusted tobacco products

Airway Biomarker Based Assessment of Combusted to Non-Combusted Tobacco Use Transition Effects

NIH-funded research Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill · NIH-10692703

This study is looking at how switching from regular cigarettes to e-cigarettes might affect your lung health, by comparing samples from current smokers, former smokers, and e-cigarette users to see if there are any changes in harmful substances in the airways.

Quick facts

Grant typeR21 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniv of North Carolina Chapel Hill NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Chapel Hill, United States)
Project IDNIH-10692703 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research aims to analyze the health impacts of transitioning from combusted tobacco products, like cigarettes, to non-combusted alternatives, such as electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS). By examining biobanked bronchoalveolar lavage samples from various groups, including current smokers, former smokers, and ENDS users, the study will assess changes in airway biomarkers. The goal is to determine whether these non-combusted products lead to reduced airway toxicity and identify specific biomarkers associated with this transition. This research could provide valuable insights into the safety and health implications of using ENDS compared to traditional smoking.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include individuals who have switched from smoking to using electronic nicotine delivery systems, as well as current and former smokers.

Not a fit: Patients who have never used tobacco products or those who exclusively use combusted tobacco without transitioning may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could help clarify the health benefits of switching to non-combusted tobacco products, potentially guiding public health recommendations.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have indicated that transitioning to ENDS can lead to distinct changes in airway biomarkers, suggesting that this research builds on promising findings in the field.

Where this research is happening

Chapel Hill, 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 2026-06-10 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.