Summary
Introduction:
This text provides an in-depth analysis of a randomized, open-label, parallel-cohort study examining the effects of a nicotine-salt pod system (NSPS) on biomarkers of exposure (BoEs) in adult smokers. The study compares the changes in BoEs between the cohorts of smokers assigned to NSPS, usual brand of combustible cigarette, and smoking abstinence. The study aims to determine whether exposure to key toxicants would be reduced when adult smokers completely switch from their usual cigarette brand to exclusive use of the NSPS during confinement over 5 days.
Key Points:
* The study included 90 healthy adult smokers, aged 22-62 years, who smoked at least 10 manufactured (king-size or 100s) combustible cigarettes per day for at least 12 months.
* Participants were randomized into six product cohorts: NSPS Virginia Tobacco flavor, NSPS Mint flavor, NSPS Mango flavor, NSPS Creme flavor, usual-brand combustible cigarette, and smoking abstinence.
* Urine samples were collected during the baseline assessment period and on the last day of the exposure assessment period, and blood samples were collected on each study day for analysis of BoEs.
* The study found that smokers who replaced their usual-brand combustible cigarettes with exclusive use of NSPS for 5 days experienced a significant reduction in non-nicotine BoEs compared with continuing to smoke usual-brand combustible cigarettes.
* The reductions in non-nicotine BoEs observed between the NSPS and smoking abstinence cohorts were also comparable.
* Mean total urine nicotine equivalents increased in the pooled NSPS and cigarette cohorts but did not significantly differ.
* The study suggests that complete switching from cigarettes to NSPS produced significant reductions in key non-nicotine BoEs associated with cigarette smoking.
Main Message:
The study provides evidence that complete switching from combustible cigarettes to tobacco and nontobacco-flavored vapor products, such as the NSPS, may reduce exposure to key carcinogens and other toxicants known to be associated with tobacco-related diseases. however, the study also emphasizes that the use of NSPS is not without risk, particularly for nonusers of tobacco products. Future research is needed to assess the long-term health effects of NSPS use.
Citation
Jay J, Pfaunmiller EL, huang NJ, Cohen G, Graff DW. Five-Day Changes in Biomarkers of Exposure among adult Smokers after Completely Switching From Combustible Cigarettes to a Nicotine-Salt Pod System. Nicotine & tobacco research : official journal of the Society for Research on Nicotine and Tobacco. 2020;22(8):1285-1293. doi:10.1093/ntr/ntz206
