This between-subjects study aims to evaluate whether e-cigarettes (ECIGS) versus oral nicotine pouches (ONPS) more readily substitute for combustible cigarettes among 200 cigarette smokers. After measuring baseline cigarette smoking rate, participants will be randomized to ECIGS or ONPS and be instructed to switch (versus smoking cigarettes) over a 6-week period. Relative reductions in biomarkers of exposure will be measured. ECIG- and ONP-associated subjective reward and the reinforcing value of ECIGS and ONPS relative to combustible cigarettes will be assessed as mechanisms.
E-cigarettes (ECIGS), and oral nicotine pouches (ONPs), expose users to few of the chemicals found in cigarette smoke and are thus promising noncombustible harm reduction tools for smokers who would not otherwise quit smoking. For their harm reduction potential to be realized, fundamental questions must be answered. One, can persistent smokers switch from combustible cigarettes to either ECIGS or ONPS? Two, what factors influence switching? Three, does one of these noncombustible alternatives expose users to lower levels of harmful chemicals than the other? The proposed research will fill these gaps in the evidence base by randomizing 200 persistent cigarette smokers to a six-week regimen of ECIGS or ONPS. Baseline smoking rate will be established during days 1-5. After biochemically confirmed overnight smoking abstinence, laboratory visits on days 6 and 7 will assess ECIG and ONP-associated subjective reward and the reinforcing value of either ECIGS or ONPS relative to combustible cigarettes. Participants will switch from cigarette smoking to ECIGS or ONPS for the following six weeks. The primary outcome measure is the longitudinal daily count of cigarettes from baseline to the end of the six-week switch period, measured via a validated collection protocol with cigarettes per day (cpd) at a 6-month follow-up as a secondary endpoint. Changes in biomarkers of potential harm, assessed at baseline and the end of the six-week switch phase, will be secondary outcome measures.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
BASIC_SCIENCE
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
200
Participants randomized to ECIGS are instructed to switch from smoking combustible cigarettes to using e-cigarettes for 6 weeks. They will be provided with an e-cigarette device and nicotine pods.
Participants randomized to ONPS are instructed to switch from smoking combustible cigarettes to using nicotine pouches for 6 weeks. They will be provided with nicotine pouches.
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
RECRUITINGCigarette Consumption
The primary outcome is the longitudinal daily count of cigarettes from baseline to the end of the switch phase. Daily cigarette consumption will be determined by counting the daily spent cigarette filters returned for each of the 42 days (days 8 - 49).
Time frame: 42 days (days 8 - 49)
Cigarette Smoking Across Follow-Up
Average cigarettes per day at the 6-month follow-up is a secondary endpoint, measured by the valid and reliable timeline follow-back (TLFB) interview.
Time frame: 19 Weeks (Day 50-6-Month Follow-Up)
Biomarkers of Exposure: Carbon Monoxide (CO)
Carbon Monoxide (CO) will be measured using a CO monitor. A CO \> 5 ppm indicates combustible cigarette smoking.
Time frame: 49 days (days 1-49)
Biomarkers of Exposure: Mean mid-expiratory forced expiratory flow (FEF25% - 75%)
The mean mid-expiratory forced expiratory flow (FEF25% - 75%) is a measure of lung function and inflammation. FEF25% - 75% will be assessed using spirometry according to the American Thoracic Guidelines.
Time frame: 49 days (days 1-49)
Biomarkers of Exposure: 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanol (NNAL)
4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanol (NNAL) is a primary nitrosamine marker of tobacco exposure and an often-used indicator of carcinogen exposure. NNAL will be measured in urine and assessed through Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry per milligram creatinine (LC-MS/MS per mg creatinine).
Time frame: 49 days (days 1-49)
Biomarkers of Exposure:1-hydroxypyrene (1-HOP)
1-hydroxypyrene (1-HOP) is a widely used biomarker of carcinogenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon exposure. 1-HOP will be measured in urine and assessed through Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry per milligram creatinine (LC-MS/MS per mg creatinine).
Time frame: 49 days (days 1-49)
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