Oral nicotine pouches to help Appalachian smokers switch from cigarettes
Testing Oral Nicotine Pouches to Reduce Smoking-Related Cancer Disparities in Appalachia
This project compares oral nicotine pouches with nicotine patches and lozenges to help adult smokers in rural Appalachia switch away from cigarettes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ohio State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Columbus, UNITED STATES) |
| Project ID | NIH-11181601 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If you join, you'll be one of 1,000 adult smokers from rural Appalachian counties randomly assigned to either oral nicotine pouches or a combination of nicotine patch plus lozenge for six months. The trial is conducted remotely and begins with a two-week sampling phase so you can try the products before continuing. Researchers will collect information on whether participants switch from cigarettes, achieve abstinence, and on measures like carbon monoxide levels and product acceptability. The aim is to find an affordable, acceptable option that reduces cigarette use and related cancer risks in the community.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults age 21 and older who currently smoke cigarettes, live in rural Appalachian counties, and are willing to try nicotine pouches or nicotine replacement therapy would be ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People who do not currently smoke, live outside rural Appalachia, are under age 21, or have medical reasons that prevent them from using nicotine products are unlikely to benefit from participating.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could help more smokers in rural Appalachia quit cigarettes and lower their risk of lung and oral cancers.
How similar studies have performed: Nicotine replacement therapies like patches and lozenges have proven evidence for helping people quit, while oral nicotine pouches are newer with promising acceptability but limited long-term trial data.
Where this research is happening
Columbus, UNITED STATES
- Ohio State University — Columbus, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Keller-Hamilton, Brittney L — Ohio State University
- Study coordinator: Keller-Hamilton, Brittney L
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.