Study of How Flavor and Nicotine Strength Affect Appeal and Dependence Risk of Oral Nicotine Gum and Pouches in Young Adult E-Cigarette Users

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are studying the appeal and abuse potential of new oral nicotine products ONPs, such as nicotine gum and pouches, among young adult exclusive e-cigarette EC users aged 21 to 25. These products come in various flavors and nicotine strengths, and their use may lead to dual use with ECs, which could increase nicotine dependence. The study focuses on how flavor mint vs. fruit and nicotine concentration 2mg vs. 6mg affect the products appeal and abuse liability, especially in sexual and gender minority SGM groups. Participants will be randomized to use either gum or pouch ONPs with either low 2mg or high 6mg nicotine strength. The study involves three virtual sessions conducted remotely a sensory appeal session testing mint and fruit flavors, followed by two abuse liability sessions where participants use their preferred flavors after 18 hours of nicotine abstinence. Participants will receive the study products by mail, including devices for verifying smoking abstinence and supplies for sample collection. During the study, participants will rate the appeal and sensory qualities of the products, and researchers will measure withdrawal relief, craving suppression, subjective effects, and economic demand for the ONPs. After each abuse liability session, participants will report their naturalistic use of the products daily for seven days. The study will gather detailed data on dual use patterns and abuse liability to inform regulations aimed at reducing nicotine dependence in young adults.

Abuse Liability and Appeal of Oral Nicotine Products