Nicotine Blood Levels and Short-term Smoking Reduction with an Electronic Nicotine Delivery System

Introduction:
This text provides an in-depth analysis of a study examining the nicotine blood levels and short-term smoking reduction potential of the NJOY® King Bold Electronic Nicotine Delivery System (ENDS). The study involved 25 adult smokers who were not interested in quitting smoking. The study aimed to evaluate the acute effects of using the ENDS after 12 hours of nicotine abstinence on nicotine blood levels, heart rate, breath carbon monoxide, and perceived levels of cigarette craving and withdrawal. Additionally, the study evaluated the effects of a one-week trial period on use patterns, cigarette consumption, and perceptions of the product as a pilot for a larger study for reduction and cessation.

Key Points:

* The study involved 25 adult smokers who were not interested in quitting smoking.
* The study design included a one-week trial period of using the NJOY® King Bold ENDS ad libitum.
* Nicotine blood levels were measured after 5 minutes of use, showing a mean increase of 3.5 ng/mL.
* Heart rate increased, and craving was reduced by 55% after using the ENDS.
* Cigarettes per day were reduced by 39% during the test week.
* Perceptions of use for reduction or cessation were positive.
* The study suggests that the sensory aspects of ENDS may have some benefit on their own, while the low dose of nicotine delivered by this early generation ENDS may not have been sufficient.
* Knowledge of the nicotine pharmacokinetics of an ENDS may be useful in deciding whether to go forward with larger scale studies of reduction or cessation.

Main Message:
The NJOY® King Bold ENDS delivers nicotine and led to short-term smoking reduction. The study suggests that further research is needed to determine the long-term potential of ENDS for smoking reduction or cessation, including a non-nicotine control group to assess the efficacy of nicotine above and beyond the sensory and behavioral aspects of ENDS. The results of this study provide impetus to move forward with larger studies of the product as an aid to smoking reduction and cessation. However, toxicological research is also needed to assess whether ENDS deliver significant amounts of any potentially harmful substances besides nicotine.

Nides, Mitchell A., Scott J. Leischow, Meghna Bhatter, and Michael Simmons. “Nicotine Blood Levels and Short-Term Smoking Reduction with an Electronic Nicotine Delivery System.” American Journal of Health Behavior 38, no. 2 (March 1, 2014): 265–74. https://doi.org/10.5993/AJHB.38.2.12.