Oral nicotine pouches and nicotine gum: appeal and use among young adult vapers
Project 3
This project tests how product type, flavor, and nicotine level of oral nicotine products affect appeal and potential for continued use in 21–25-year-old e-cigarette users.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Southern California NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, UNITED STATES) |
| Project ID | NIH-11164653 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If you join, researchers will do virtual (Zoom) visits and enroll about 320 current e-cigarette users aged 21–25 who are not trying to quit and are willing to try oral nicotine products (ONPs). Participants will try different ONPs that vary by product type (nicotine pouch vs nonmedicinal gum), flavor (mint vs fruit), and nicotine strength (high vs low) and report how they like them. The team will measure immediate sensory reactions, positive drug effects, urge relief, and economic-style choices that show how much people value the product. Participants will also get a one-week supply of a chosen ONP to use naturally and report real-world use afterward.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are U.S. residents aged 21–25 who currently use e-cigarettes, are not planning to quit vaping, and are open to trying oral nicotine products.
Not a fit: People under 21, those actively trying to quit vaping, non-vapers, or those with medical conditions that make nicotine unsafe (including pregnancy) would not benefit from participating.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Results could help doctors and policymakers understand which ONP features attract young vapers and guide efforts to reduce youth uptake and harm.
How similar studies have performed: Prior lab and behavioral studies show flavors and nicotine levels change appeal and abuse potential, but testing oral nicotine pouches specifically in young adult vapers is relatively new.
Where this research is happening
Los Angeles, UNITED STATES
- University of Southern California — Los Angeles, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Monterosso, John R — University of Southern California
- Study coordinator: Monterosso, John R
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.