Using non-cigarette tobacco products to help smokers who can't quit

Non-Cigarette Tobacco Products as Harm Reduction Tools in Smokers Who Failed to Quit With Traditional Methods

NIH-funded research Medical University of South Carolina · NIH-10901898

This study is looking at whether switching to non-combustible tobacco products, like e-cigarettes, can help smokers who have tried to quit before but haven't been successful, by giving them a chance to choose a product and set a quit date that works for them.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionMedical University of South Carolina NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Charleston, United States)
Project IDNIH-10901898 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates whether non-combustible tobacco products, like e-cigarettes, can help smokers who have struggled to quit using traditional methods. The study will involve current smokers who have attempted to quit in the past year but were unsuccessful. Participants will be randomly assigned to either switch to a non-cigarette product or try to quit again with medications. They will choose from a selection of products and set a quit date, allowing for a personalized approach to harm reduction.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adult smokers over 21 years old who have tried to quit smoking using FDA-approved methods but have not succeeded.

Not a fit: Patients who have successfully quit smoking or those who have never smoked may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a safer alternative for smokers who have failed to quit, potentially improving their health outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in using non-combustible tobacco products as harm reduction tools, indicating potential success for this approach.

Where this research is happening

Charleston, 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.
Conditions Centers for Disease ControlCenters for Disease Control and PreventionCenters for Disease Control and Prevention (U.S.)
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.