Usage Pattern and Nicotine Delivery during ad Libitum Consumption of Pod E-Cigarettes and heated Tobacco Products.

Introduction:
This text discusses a study that examines the usage patterns and nicotine delivery of pod e-cigarettes, heated tobacco products (hTPs), and conventional cigarettes (CCs) when used ad libitum. The study seeks to understand how these products are used in a near-real-world scenario and how they affect nicotine levels in the body.

Key Points:

* The study involved 45 participants, divided into three groups: pod e-cigarette, hTP, and CC users.
* Participants used their respective products ad libitum for 90 minutes while being video recorded.
* Blood samples were taken at regular intervals to measure nicotine, cotinine, and hydroxycotinine plasma levels.
* The study found that nicotine delivery was highest for CCs, followed by hTPs and pod e-cigarettes. however, the difference in geometric mean Cmax and geometric mean aUC between the hTP and CC groups was not statistically significant.
* The study also found that pod e-cigarettes were used predominantly with single puffs or in short clusters of 2-5 puffs.
* The maximum plasma nicotine concentration was highest for CCs, followed by hTPs, and then pod e-cigarettes with 24.0, 17.7, and 8.0 ng/mL, respectively.
* Craving was reduced by all products, but the reduction in craving differed significantly between groups. In the acute phase, hTP and CC users had a faster rise of plasma nicotine levels and a faster craving reduction compared to pod e-cigarette users.

Main Message:
The study suggests that the high nicotine delivery known for tobacco-containing products (CCs and hTPs) may not be needed for non-tobacco-containing products (pod e-cigarettes) to satisfy cravings in experienced users. The study also highlights the importance of understanding usage patterns and nicotine delivery in different products to inform regulatory decisions and public health policies.

Rabenstein a, Rahofer a, Vukas J, et al. Usage Pattern and Nicotine Delivery during ad Libitum Consumption of Pod E-Cigarettes and heated Tobacco Products. Toxics. 2023;11(5). doi:10.3390/toxics11050434