Water Inhalable Nicotine: a new cartridge-based nicotine replacement inhaler
Official title: Water Inhalable Nicotine (WIN) as An Innovative Orally Inhaled Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) for Smoking Cessation
Funded at Scientific Horizons Consulting LLC · NIH-11311203 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new cartridge-based inhaled nicotine replacement therapy called Water Inhalable Nicotine (WIN) aims to help adults quit smoking by delivering nicotine in a controlled, effective way.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 1 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Scientific Horizons Consulting LLC NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Irvine, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | July 1, 2026 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $399,250 |
| NIH project number | 1R43DA065300-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11311203 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults who smoke and are seeking to quit, particularly those who want a precise and personalized cessation aid.
✕Less likely to help
People who do not use nicotine or are unable to use inhaled products may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project develops WIN, an easy-to-use inhaled nicotine replacement that uses a water-based formulation and a mobile app to tailor doses. It includes an intelligent dose algorithm and a color-coded step-down plan to support people trying to quit and to improve adherence. The work combines aerosol science with patient-friendly design to offer rapid nicotine delivery while aiming to minimize harm and environmental impact. The team will optimize WIN across high, medium, and low nicotine strengths and assess safety and performance in preparation for human use.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, WIN could provide a more satisfying and effective option for quitting smoking, potentially improving quit rates.
How similar studies have gone: Previous inhaled nicotine products have shown promise, but there is currently no FDA-approved inhaled NRT, making this approach novel but with potential for meaningful impact.
Where this research is happening
-
Scientific Horizons Consulting LLC
Irvine, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gao, Xiang — Scientific Horizons Consulting LLC
- Study coordinator: Gao, Xiang
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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.