Nicotine pouches versus lozenges or no product to help daily cigarette smokers switch
A randomized comparative effectiveness trial of nicotine pouches for cigarette substitution: A question of public health
This trial compares nicotine pouches (two doses), nicotine mini-lozenges, and no product to see which helps adults who smoke daily reduce or replace cigarettes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Wisconsin-Madison NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Madison, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11173898 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You would join a group of 284 adults who smoke every day and are not planning to quit soon; participants are randomly assigned to one of four groups: 3-mg nicotine pouches, 6-mg nicotine pouches, nicotine mini-lozenges (2- or 4-mg), or no study product. The study will track product use, cigarette smoking behavior, and biological markers over time to see whether and how people switch from cigarettes to a less harmful nicotine product. Investigators will examine the role of nicotine dose and other factors that help or hinder switching, using visits, questionnaires, and likely mobile app check-ins. The focus is on real-world substitution of cigarettes with pouches or lozenges among adult smokers.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults aged 21 and older who smoke cigarettes daily and are not planning to quit in the next 30 days are the intended participants.
Not a fit: People under 21, non-daily smokers, or those already planning to quit immediately are unlikely to be eligible or to benefit from this trial.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could offer a lower-risk nicotine option that helps people who smoke reduce exposure to harmful cigarette smoke and lower cancer risk.
How similar studies have performed: Traditional nicotine replacement therapies and some e-cigarette trials have helped smokers switch, but nicotine pouches are a newer product with limited prior evidence.
Where this research is happening
Madison, United States
- University of Wisconsin-Madison — Madison, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Piper, Megan E — University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Study coordinator: Piper, Megan E
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 below.