Study Evaluating Brain and Craving Responses to a 6 mg Oral Nicotine Pouch in Adult Smokers Aged 21 to 55

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are studying how a single 6 mg oral nicotine pouch affects cigarette craving and brain responses to smoking-related cues in adult smokers aged 21 to 55. This study focuses on understanding the immediate effects of oral nicotine pouches, which are non-combustible products, on craving relief and neural activity after overnight nicotine abstinence. The goal is to explore their potential role as lower-risk alternatives for nicotine use. The study involves one baseline screening visit followed by an experimental session. During the experimental visit, participants abstain from nicotine overnight and complete baseline assessments of craving and withdrawal. They then perform a smoking cue reactivity task while brain activity is recorded using functional near-infrared spectroscopy fNIRS. After self-administering a 6 mg oral nicotine pouch and waiting 25 minutes for absorption, participants repeat the cue reactivity task and complete additional assessments on craving and product effects. Participants will be assessed for craving changes and brain activity before and after nicotine pouch use. The study includes demographic and tobacco use data collection, nicotine dependence assessment, and head measurements for fNIRS cap fitting. Brain activity is monitored non-invasively during tasks, and participants are observed for discomfort. The main outcomes measured are changes in prefrontal neural responses and subjective cigarette craving following pouch administration.

Brain/Craving Response to Smoking Cues After Oral Nicotine Pouch Use