Vaping a specific vitamin E compound can create a harmful substance that causes lung issues and fever.
Official title: Vaping α-T-acetate Generates a Novel Toxic Compound that Induces Fever and Lung Inflammation
Funded at Indiana University Indianapolis · NIH-11139759 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how vaping a certain vitamin E compound might cause lung problems, like inflammation and fever, in both people and animals, to help us understand the risks of using vaping products with this ingredient.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Indiana University Indianapolis NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Indianapolis, United States) |
| Project start | January 8, 2025 |
| Project end | December 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $230,618 |
| NIH project number | 1R21AI182118-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11139759 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include adults who have experienced symptoms related to vaping, such as cough, shortness of breath, or fever.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not vape or have not experienced any lung-related symptoms from vaping may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the effects of vaping a vitamin E acetate compound, α-tocopherol-acetate, which has been linked to serious lung injuries and illnesses in users. The study aims to understand how this compound generates a novel toxic substance when vaped, which may lead to inflammation and fever in the lungs. By examining the biological responses in both human patients and animal models, the researchers hope to uncover the mechanisms behind these adverse effects. This could provide critical insights into the safety of vaping products containing this compound.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and prevention of vaping-related lung injuries, potentially saving lives.
How similar studies have gone: While there have been studies on vaping-related injuries, this specific investigation into the toxic effects of α-tocopherol-acetate is novel and has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
-
Indiana University Indianapolis
Indianapolis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cook-Mills, Joan M — Indiana University Indianapolis
- Study coordinator: Cook-Mills, Joan M
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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.