NIH-funded research R01 grant

Testing new ways to help smokers quit by changing treatments

Official title: A clinical trial of adaptive treatment for early smoking cessation relapse

Funded at Medical University of South Carolina · NIH-10875543 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at whether changing smoking cessation medications or trying e-cigarettes can help people who have had a hard time quitting smoking finally succeed, and you'll get support and a month’s supply of medication to help you set a quit date.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionMedical University of South Carolina
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Charleston, United States)
Project startJuly 1, 2023
Project endJune 30, 2028
Funding year2024
Award (this year)$574,662
NIH project number5R01CA284649-02
Project IDNIH-10875543 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates are daily smokers aged 21 and older who are willing to set a quit date and have previously attempted to quit using pharmacotherapy.

Less likely to help

Patients who have never smoked or those who are not interested in quitting smoking may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research investigates how to improve smoking cessation outcomes for individuals who have struggled to quit smoking. It will explore whether switching between different FDA-approved medications after a failed attempt is more effective than sticking with the same treatment. Additionally, the study will assess if transitioning to e-cigarettes after multiple unsuccessful attempts with medications can help smokers achieve abstinence. Participants will receive a 4-week supply of smoking cessation medication and support to set a quit date.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide more effective strategies for smokers to quit and reduce their dependence on cigarettes.

How similar studies have gone: While there has been some research on smoking cessation methods, this adaptive treatment approach is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.

Where this research is happening

  • Medical University of South Carolina
    Charleston, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Smith, Tracy Taylor — Medical University of South Carolina
  • Study coordinator: Smith, Tracy Taylor

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

  • Social stress and smoking: why disadvantaged young adults struggle to quit

    This grant looks at how daily social stress affects if and when disadvantaged young adults who smoke can quit and stay quit.

    NIH research Medical University of South Carolina · Charleston, United States · NIH-11540695

  • Adaptive treatment for early smoking relapse in adults

    This study tests different paths to help adults who smoke quit again after an early relapse, including trying a different quitting medicine or switching to a safer nicotine product.

    NIH research Medical University of South Carolina · Charleston, United States · NIH-11362332

  • Helping people quit smoking for good

    This project helps daily smokers find the best way to quit cigarettes, especially if their first attempt isn't successful.

    NIH research Medical University of South Carolina · Charleston, United States · NIH-11121737

  • How social stress affects young adults' ability to quit smoking

    This study looks at how everyday stress from money and social situations makes it harder for young adults with limited resources to quit smoking and stay smoke-free, so we can better understand their challenges and help them succeed in quitting.

    NIH research Brown University · Providence, United States · NIH-10949742

  • I-STOP: a mobile health program to help people with HIV quit smoking

    A smartphone-based program designed to help people with HIV quit smoking in a sustainable, affordable way.

    NIH research University of Oklahoma Hlth Sciences Ctr · Oklahoma City, United States · NIH-11535367

  • Smoking cessation help for people with HIV in South Africa

    A program is being tested to help people living with HIV in South Africa quit smoking in ways that fit low-resource clinics and show good value.

    NIH research Johns Hopkins University · Baltimore, United States · NIH-11535332

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.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.