Effects of IV Nicotine Dose and Delivery Rate on Smoking Behavior

IV Pulsed-Nicotine as a Model of Smoking: The Effects of Dose and Delivery Rate

Early Phase 1 Interventional Yale University · NCT05176418

This study is testing how different amounts and speeds of nicotine delivered through an IV can help smokers manage their cravings and withdrawal symptoms.

Quick facts

PhaseEarly Phase 1
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment70 (estimated)
Ages21 Years to 55 Years
SexAll
SponsorYale University Academic / other
Locations1 site (West Haven, Connecticut)
Trial IDNCT05176418 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This project investigates how different doses and delivery rates of intravenous nicotine affect its potential for abuse and its ability to alleviate smoking urges and withdrawal symptoms. Seventy smokers will be randomized into two nicotine dose groups and will participate in five test sessions where they receive either nicotine or saline infusions. The study will utilize a tobacco-flavored e-cigarette to simulate the sensory experience of smoking while administering pulsed nicotine infusions at varying rates. The goal is to better understand the relationship between nicotine delivery and its effects on smoking behavior.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are healthy adults aged 21 to 55 who are daily smokers with a history of e-cigarette use.

Not a fit: Patients with major medical or psychiatric disorders, or those with a history of lung diseases, may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved treatments for nicotine dependence and smoking cessation.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have explored nicotine delivery methods, but this specific approach using pulsed IV administration is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Female and male, aged 21 to 55 years;
* past year daily cigarette use, verified by urine cotinine levels above 100 ng/ml -lifetime history of e-cigarette use; in good health as verified by medical history -screening examination, and screening laboratory tests
* women, -using acceptable birth control methods.

Exclusion Criteria:

* History of major medical or psychiatric disorders that the physician investigator deems as contraindicated for the participant to be in the study
* risk factors for EVALI (E-cigarette or Vaping Product Use-Associated Lung Injury) including history of lung diseases (e.g., asthma or COPD), vaping THC or CBD
* regular use of psychotropic medication (antidepressants, antipsychotics, or anxiolytics)
* current alcohol or substance use disorder for any other recreational or prescription drugs other than nicotine
* for women, pregnant as determined by pregnancy screening, or breast feeding
* seeking (or undergoing) treatment for tobacco dependence or smoking; reported aversion to e-cigarettes, or tobacco flavored e-liquid.

Where this trial is running

West Haven, Connecticut

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 Dependence
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.