Using non-cigarette tobacco products to reduce harm for smokers who couldn't quit with usual methods
Non-Cigarette Tobacco Products as Harm Reduction Tools in Smokers Who Failed to Quit With Traditional Methods
This trial offers adult smokers who couldn't quit with medications a choice to either switch completely to a non-combustible product like an e-cigarette or try quitting again with FDA-approved medicines to see which helps more.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Medical University of South Carolina NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Charleston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11169877 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You would join a group of smokers who tried and failed to quit with FDA-approved medications in the past year and be randomly placed into one of two paths. Most participants will be asked to switch completely to a non-cigarette nicotine product (for example, an e-cigarette) while a smaller group will be offered additional quit attempts using approved medicines. You pick from a limited menu of products or medications and set a target switch/quit date, then attend follow-up visits where your smoking status will be tracked and measured with biochemical markers. The study follows participants over time with active follow-up to compare how well each approach reduces cigarette smoking and exposure to harmful chemicals.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adult smokers (age 21 or older) who have tried and failed to quit using FDA‑approved pharmacotherapy within the past year and are willing to try either switching products or another medication-based quit attempt.
Not a fit: People who are not current smokers, are unwilling to try non-cigarette nicotine products or medications, are pregnant, or have medical reasons to avoid nicotine are unlikely to benefit from participating.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lower smokers' exposure to the most harmful chemicals in cigarette smoke and improve health for people who can't quit with standard medicines.
How similar studies have performed: Previous trials of e-cigarettes and other non-combustible products have shown promising results for smoking reduction or cessation in some studies, but findings are mixed and long-term benefits and risks remain uncertain.
Where this research is happening
Charleston, United States
- 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
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.