Comparing different forms of nicotine in vaping

Comparative Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics of Synthetic Nicotine

Phase 1 Interventional University of California, San Francisco · NCT05962229

This study is testing how different types of nicotine in vaping affect experienced users' cravings, withdrawal symptoms, and enjoyment while also looking at how their bodies process these forms of nicotine.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 1
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment18 (estimated)
Ages21 Years to 65 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of California, San Francisco Academic / other
Locations1 site (San Francisco, California)
Trial IDNCT05962229 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study involves experienced electronic cigarette users who will vape three different forms of nicotine: natural, synthetic, and a 50:50 mixture of both. It aims to compare how these forms of nicotine are metabolized in the body, their cardiovascular effects, and how they influence users' cravings, withdrawal symptoms, and enjoyment. Participants will undergo a crossover design, allowing them to experience each form of nicotine in a controlled setting. The findings could provide insights into the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of nicotine in vaping.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are healthy adults who are regular users of e-cigarettes for at least 15 days in the past month.

Not a fit: Patients who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or using certain medications that affect nicotine metabolism will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could help inform better nicotine delivery methods and improve strategies for managing nicotine dependence.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have explored nicotine pharmacokinetics, but this specific comparison of synthetic versus natural nicotine in vaping is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Healthy on the basis of medical history and limited physical examination.
* Current regular user of E-Cigarettes (≥ 15 days in the past 30 days)

Exclusion Criteria:

* • Medications

  * Use of medications that are inducers of nicotine metabolizing enzyme CYP2A6 (Example: rifampicin, carbamazepine, phenobarbital, and other anticonvulsant drugs).
  * Use of sympatholytic medications for cardiovascular conditions including hypertension (Example: beta and alpha-blockers).
  * Concurrent use of nicotine-containing medications (Example: nicotine patch, lozenge, gum).
  * Any stimulant medications (example: Adderall) generally given for ADHD treatment.

    • Pregnancy
  * Pregnancy (self-reported and urine pregnancy test)
  * Breastfeeding (determined by self-report)
  * Women of childbearing potential must be using an acceptable method of contraception

    * Inability to read and write in English
    * A known propylene glycol/vegetable glycerin allergy
    * Uncomfortable with getting blood drawn

Where this trial is running

San Francisco, California

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Nicotine DependenceNicotine VapingNicotine PharmacokineticsNicotine PharmacodynamicsVapingE-cigarettes
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.