Comparing menthol and tobacco-flavored e-cigarettes for adult menthol smokers

The Impact of Menthol Flavoring on Switching in Adult Menthol Smokers

Not applicable Interventional University of Kansas Medical Center · NCT05555069

This study tests whether menthol-flavored e-cigarettes help adult menthol smokers switch from regular cigarettes better than tobacco-flavored ones.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment800 (estimated)
Ages21 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Kansas Medical Center Academic / other
Locations1 site (Kansas City, Missouri)
Trial IDNCT05555069 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study evaluates how effective menthol-flavored e-cigarettes are compared to tobacco-flavored ones in helping adult menthol smokers switch from combustible cigarettes to e-cigarettes. A total of 800 menthol smokers will be randomly assigned to use either flavor for 12 weeks, with follow-up extending to 26 weeks. The primary goal is to measure the rate of switching from traditional cigarettes to e-cigarettes at the 12-week mark.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 21 and older who smoke at least 5 menthol cigarettes per day and are interested in switching to e-cigarettes.

Not a fit: Patients who are actively seeking to quit smoking or have used other tobacco products recently may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide a more effective method for menthol smokers to transition away from combustible cigarettes, potentially improving their health outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown varying degrees of success with e-cigarette interventions, but this specific comparison of menthol versus tobacco flavors is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* ≥ 21 years of age
* Smoke ≥ 5 cigarettes per day (CPD)
* Smoke menthol cigarettes for ≥ 6 months
* Verified smoker (CO \>5ppm)
* Functioning telephone
* Interested in switching to E-cigarettes

Exclusion Criteria:

* Interested in quitting smoking
* Use of other tobacco products in past 30 days (i.e. cigarillos, cigars, hookah, smokeless tobacco, pipes)
* E-cigarette use on ≥ 4 of the past 30 days
* Uncontrolled hypertension: BP ≥ 180(systolic) or ≥ 105 (diastolic)
* Use of smoking cessation pharmacotherapy in the month prior to enrollment
* Pregnant, contemplating getting pregnant, or breastfeeding
* Plans to move from Kansas City during the treatment and follow-up phase
* Another household member enrolled in the study

Where this trial is running

Kansas City, Missouri

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 Smoking Reduction
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.