Testing how flavors in e-cigarettes affect brain function and addiction

Is this trial a fit for you?

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

What this trial studies

This interventional trial aims to investigate whether neuroactive flavor chemicals in electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) can increase the addiction potential of these products by influencing brain function and behavior. Participants, who are regular tobacco users, will be randomly assigned to use ENDS with either a neuroactive flavor (hexyl acetate) or an inactive flavor (ethyl acetate) for ten days. The study will measure the reinforcement of ENDS use, subjective ratings, and brain reactivity through functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) before and after the intervention.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

1. 21 to 60 years old
2. Regular users of inhaled tobacco products (≥5 days out of the last 28)
3. Not planning to quit tobacco use within next month
4. Able to read and write in English

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Major neurological conditions or brain trauma
2. Current substance use impairing participation
3. Unstable or significant medical conditions (e.g., COPD, coronary heart disease)
4. Current use of smoking cessation medication (e.g., varenicline, patch)
5. Uncontrolled serious mental illness, suicidality, or inpatient psychiatric hospitalization in the past 6 months
6. Known allergic reaction to ENDS liquids ingredients propylene glycol or vegetable glycerin
7. Unable to use study provided ENDS ad-libitum for at least 3 hours per day
8. Pregnant or breastfeeding as indicated by self-report or urine pregnancy screen

MRI-specific exclusion criteria:

1. MRI safety contraindications (e.g., metal implants, claustrophobia)
2. Major neurological conditions or brain trauma

Where it's running

• Penn State Health
  Hershey, Pennsylvania, United States Recruiting

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Andrea Hobkirk, PhD
• Email: ahobkirk@pennstatehealth.psu.edu
• Phone: 717-531-7279

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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.