Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Interventional Ages 21 and up

Evaluating e-cigarettes versus traditional quit methods for smoking cessation

Official title: Non-cigarette Tobacco Products as Harm Reduction Tools in Smokers Who Failed to Quit With Traditional Methods

Run by Medical University of South Carolina · NCT06373679 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is testing whether e-cigarettes can help smokers quit better than traditional methods like nicotine patches or medication.

Quick facts

Study typeInterventional
Ages21 Years and up
SexAll
Enrollment225 (estimated)
SponsorMedical University of South Carolina
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Charleston, South Carolina)
StatusRecruiting
StartedJuly 10, 2024
Main results expectedMay 1, 2027
Study endsMay 1, 2027
Registry record updatedJuly 13, 2026
Trial IDNCT06373679 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates are adults aged 21 and older who have previously attempted to quit smoking using FDA-approved pharmacotherapy and are interested in reducing tobacco-related harm.

Probably not a fit

Patients who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to become pregnant will not benefit from this study.

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This study assesses whether non-cigarette tobacco products, specifically e-cigarettes, can aid smokers in quitting compared to traditional methods like nicotine replacement therapy or varenicline (Chantix). Participants will be randomly assigned to either an e-cigarette group, where they can choose brands and flavors, or a medication group, where they can select between nicotine patches, lozenges, or varenicline. The study will last for six months, involving weekly phone calls for the first seven weeks, followed by an 11-week call and a six-month follow-up visit. Participants will also maintain electronic daily diaries during the initial seven weeks to track their progress and experiences.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide clearer guidance for smokers on effective cessation methods, potentially leading to higher quit rates.

How similar studies have gone: While there is limited data on the effectiveness of e-cigarettes as cessation aids compared to traditional methods, this study aims to fill a critical gap in existing research.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria

* Adults 21+ who previously had a quit attempt using FDA-approved pharmacotherapy.
* Interest in reducing harms from tobacco use or quitting smoking

Exclusion Criteria

* Pregnant, breastfeeding, or trying to become pregnant.
* Household member currently enrolled in the study
* Planning to move out of the area within the next 7 months

Where it's running

  • Medical Univeristy of South Carolina
    Charleston, South Carolina, United States
    Recruiting

Study contacts

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How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.