Varenicline to help adults stop vaping

Investigating Efficacious E-Cigarette Interventions and Cessation Effects on Cancer-Related Biomarkers: A Randomized Trial of Varenicline in Adults

Phase 2 Interventional Yale University · NCT07040566

This trial tests whether the smoking-cessation pill varenicline helps adults who vape daily quit e-cigarettes.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 2
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment326 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorYale University Academic / other
Locations2 sites (New Haven, Connecticut and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT07040566 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This is a randomized, placebo-controlled Phase 2 trial in adults seeking help to stop regular e-cigarette use. Participants are randomly assigned to 12 weeks of varenicline (titrated to 2 mg daily) or matching placebo, plus brief counseling and self-management resources. Research visits occur every three weeks during treatment with a final follow-up at week 26 to measure quit rates and changes in health biomarkers. The study also looks at predictors and moderators of who benefits most from treatment.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Adults who use nicotine-containing e-cigarettes daily, are seeking cessation help, live in Connecticut or South Carolina, speak English, and have no medical contraindication to varenicline are ideal candidates.

Not a fit: People who regularly use other tobacco products, are already in tobacco cessation treatment, have medical contraindications to varenicline, or do not live near the study sites are unlikely to benefit from participating.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, the trial could establish varenicline as an effective medication to help people stop using e-cigarettes and reduce nicotine dependence.

How similar studies have performed: Varenicline is well supported for cigarette smoking cessation, but there are few placebo-controlled trials specifically testing it for e-cigarette cessation.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* report daily use of an e-cigarette containing nicotine
* live in Connecticut or South Carolina

Exclusion Criteria:

* regular use of other tobacco products besides e-cigarettes
* medical contraindications for varenicline use
* current treatment for tobacco cessation
* lack proficiency in English

Where this trial is running

New Haven, Connecticut 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 E-cigarette UseVapingNicotine Dependence
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 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.