Optimizing tobacco treatment for people living with HIV/AIDS

Testing Novel Pharmacogenetic and Adherence Optimization Treatments to Improve the Effectiveness of Smoking Cessation Treatments for Smokers With HIV

Phase 3 Interventional University of Pennsylvania · NCT04176172

This study is trying to find out if personalized medication and support can help people living with HIV/AIDS quit smoking more effectively.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 3
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment340 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Pennsylvania Academic / other
Locations2 sites (Chicago, Illinois and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT04176172 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial aims to improve smoking cessation strategies for individuals living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) who are also nicotine dependent. It will evaluate the effectiveness of personalized medication selection based on the nicotine metabolite ratio (NMR) and the Managed Problem Solving (MAPS) adherence intervention. The study will utilize a rigorous methodology, including randomization and biological verification of tobacco abstinence, to assess the impact of these interventions on smoking cessation rates among PLWHA. By addressing the high smoking rates in this population, the trial seeks to enhance overall health outcomes and reduce the risks associated with tobacco use.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults over 18 years old who smoke daily, are confirmed HIV positive, and reside near one of the study sites.

Not a fit: Patients with untreated substance abuse issues, unstable mental health conditions, or those who are pregnant or lactating may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this trial could significantly improve smoking cessation rates among people living with HIV/AIDS, leading to better health outcomes and reduced risk of tobacco-related diseases.

How similar studies have performed: While there have been few studies specifically targeting tobacco cessation in PLWHA, existing literature suggests that personalized and structured interventions can yield moderate success, indicating potential for this novel approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Key Inclusion Criteria:

* \>18 years, smoke daily for the past 30 days
* Confirmed HIV+ (exhibit viral load of \<1000 copies/mL)
* Residing in the geographic area close to one of the sites for at least 7 months
* Able to use varenicline/TN patch safely

Key Exclusion Criteria:

* Current untreated and unstable diagnosis of substance abuse/dependence
* Current diagnosis of unstable and untreated major depression, psychosis or bipolar disorder
* Suicide risk as measured by the C-SSRS
* Current use or discontinuation within last 14 days of quit smoking medications
* Cancer, heart disease, stroke or MI within the past 6 months requires study physician approval
* Uncontrolled hypertension
* History of epilepsy or seizure disorder requires study physician approval
* Women who are pregnant, planning a pregnancy, or lactating
* Use of e-cigarettes, chewing tobacco, snuff or snus
* Generalized eczema or psoriasis
* A reaction or sensitivity to a nicotine patch or any other transdermal medication requires study physician approval
* Currently participating in a smoking cessation program

Where this trial is running

Chicago, Illinois 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 HIV/AIDSNicotine DependenceSmoking CessationVareniclineNicotine PatchCigarette SmokingManaged Problem Solving
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.