Reduced-nicotine cigarettes versus e-cigarettes for people who both smoke and vape

A randomized controlled trial of reduced nicotine cigarettes and e-cigarettes among dual users

['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF VERMONT & ST AGRIC COLLEGE · NIH-11258916

This compares switching to very-low-nicotine cigarettes or using e-cigarettes in adults who both smoke and vape to see how their smoking and quitting change.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorUNIVERSITY OF VERMONT & ST AGRIC COLLEGE (nih funded)
Locations1 site (BURLINGTON, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11258916 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

If you currently smoke cigarettes and also use e-cigarettes, you would be randomly assigned to use either cigarettes with much less nicotine or to use e-cigarettes as alternatives. The study follows participants over time with regular visits and collects information on cigarette use, cravings, attempts to stop, breath carbon monoxide, and blood markers of tobacco exposure. Researchers will compare changes in smoking behavior, dependence, and abstinence between the groups to learn which approach most helps dual users reduce or quit cigarette smoking. The results are intended to inform safer product standards and guidance for people who use both products.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Adults age 21 and older who currently smoke cigarettes and also use e-cigarettes regularly are the ideal candidates for this research.

Not a fit: People who only smoke cigarettes or only use e-cigarettes, those under 21, or pregnant people are unlikely to be helped by this trial.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, the project could identify whether reducing nicotine in cigarettes or promoting e-cigarettes helps dual users cut down or quit smoking and could guide safer options and policy.

How similar studies have performed: Randomized trials in exclusive cigarette smokers have shown very-low-nicotine cigarettes can reduce smoking and dependence, but trials including regular e-cigarette users are novel.

Where this research is happening

BURLINGTON, 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.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.