Exploring the appeal and risks of oral nicotine products among young adult e-cigarette users

The Effect of Flavor and Nicotine Strength on the Abuse Liability and Appeal of Oral Nicotine Products

Not applicable Interventional University of Southern California · NCT06506162

This study looks at how appealing and risky new oral nicotine products are for young adults who only use e-cigarettes to see how flavors and nicotine levels affect their choices.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment320 (estimated)
Ages21 Years to 25 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Southern California Academic / other
Locations2 sites (Los Angeles, California and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT06506162 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the appeal and potential abuse liability of novel oral nicotine products (ONPs) among young adults who are current exclusive e-cigarette users. It focuses on understanding how factors such as flavor and nicotine concentration influence the use patterns of ONPs, particularly in the context of increasing regulatory restrictions on e-cigarettes. By examining these dynamics, the research aims to inform public health regulations that could mitigate the risks associated with dual use of e-cigarettes and ONPs. Participants will be young adults aged 21-25 who have been using e-cigarettes regularly and have never tried ONPs.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are young adults aged 21-25 who are current exclusive e-cigarette users and have never used any oral nicotine products.

Not a fit: Patients who are not exclusive e-cigarette users or those who have used oral nicotine products in the past will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to better regulations that protect young adults from increased nicotine dependence due to dual use of e-cigarettes and oral nicotine products.

How similar studies have performed: While there is limited research specifically on oral nicotine products, studies on e-cigarettes and their appeal among young adults have shown significant findings, suggesting that this area of investigation is both relevant and timely.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. aged 21-25 years
2. current exclusive EC user (defined as at least weekly use over the past 3 months) and recent nicotine use confirmed by positive urine test (\>1 semiquantitative Total Nicotine Equivalent; see below)
3. not currently using another tobacco/nicotine product (defined as no use in the past 6 months)
4. have never used any ONP (medicinal or nonmedicinal)
5. willing to try study provided ONPs.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. recent COVID-19+ (positive test in the past 30 days)
2. a recent COVID-19 hospitalization (past 3 months)
3. unstable or significant psychiatric conditions (past and stable conditions allowed)
4. history of cardiac event or distress within the past 3 months
5. currently pregnant (based on urine pregnancy test), planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.

Where this trial is running

Los Angeles, California and 1 other locations

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 2026-06-10 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.