How nicotine strength and pH affect the feel and appeal of oral nicotine pouches
Official title: Effect of Product Characteristics on the Abuse Liability of Nicotine Pouches
Run by Emory University · NCT07165808 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This trial will test whether different nicotine strengths and pH levels in oral nicotine pouches change how they feel, how appealing they are, and how likely young adult pouch users are to misuse them.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 21 Years to 35 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 84 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Emory University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Atlanta, Georgia) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | February 13, 2026 |
| Main results expected | January 2028 |
| Study ends | January 2028 |
| Registry record updated | February 27, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07165808 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are young adult established nicotine pouch users who currently use pouches (every day or some days), test positive for cotinine, are not planning to quit, and can attend visits at the Emory site.
✕Probably not a fit
People planning to stop nicotine, those who are pregnant or breastfeeding, and individuals with a history of stroke, seizures, high blood pressure, or other cardiovascular conditions are excluded and would not benefit from participation.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
The study exposes current young adult nicotine pouch users to pouches that vary by nicotine concentration (low vs high) and pH (low vs high) to see how those product features change sensory experience, product appeal, and measures of abuse liability. Participants are confirmed users (positive cotinine) who are not trying to quit and will complete controlled product administration sessions with subjective ratings and behavioral measures. The design permits analysis of both main effects and the interaction between nicotine dose and pH on outcomes that inform regulation. The study is conducted at Emory University's Rollins School of Public Health and excludes participants with pregnancy or cardiovascular/seizure contraindications.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the findings could help regulators limit nicotine and pH features in oral pouches to reduce their appeal and misuse among young people.
How similar studies have gone: Prior research on e-cigarette nicotine formulations shows that free-base nicotine can increase appeal and abuse potential, but experimental evidence specific to oral nicotine pouches is limited.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Current established users of nicotine pouches (have used nicotine pouches in the past 30 days \& currently use nicotine pouches every day or someday) * Positive cotinine test via saliva test strip * Those who are unmotivated to quit nicotine use * Read and speak English. * Poly-users of nicotine pouches, e-cigarettes (e.g., vape ≥20 days/month), and tobacco (e.g., ≥4 cigarettes/day for ≥2 years) will be eligible for participation Exclusion Criteria * Planning to cut down or quit using nicotine in the next 30 days * Currently pregnant or breastfeeding * History of stroke, seizures, high blood pressure, heart disease/problems, or cardiovascular disease contraindications for nicotine.
Where it's running
-
Rollins School of Public Health
Atlanta, Georgia, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Dae Han, PhD — Rollins School of Public Health
- Study coordinator: Dae Hee Han, PhD
- Email: dae.hee.han@emory.edu
- Phone: 404-727-8742
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.