Nicotine absorption Profile among Regular Users of a Pod-Based Electronic Nicotine Delivery System.

Introduction:
This text provides an analysis of a research letter published in JaMa Network Open, which investigates the nicotine absorption profile of JUUL, a popular electronic nicotine delivery system (ENDS), and its impact on regular adult users. The study aims to characterize nicotine absorption and evaluate subjective effects associated with the use of this product.

Key Points:

* The study involved six current adult users of pod-based ENDS, who abstained from cigarette smoking for four days and any nicotine-containing product for at least 14 hours prior to attending a one-day laboratory visit.
* Users completed baseline demographic and device questionnaires, including the Penn State Electronic Cigarette Dependence Index (PSECDI).
* Users were instructed to puff on their own pod-based ENDS (nicotine concentration 59 mg/mL) every 20 seconds for 10 minutes, and blood was collected via catheter at various intervals to measure nicotine, cotinine, and 3-hydroxycotinine concentrations.
* Participants reported lower anxiety and craving after using the product.
* The mean nicotine boost obtained was 28.6 (9.8) ng/mL, and the mean time to maximal concentration was 8.7 (1.6) minutes.
* The nicotine absorption profile of JUUL was higher and faster than that of "cigalike" ENDS devices and advanced ENDS devices using the same puffing schedule.
* The study suggests that JUUL's nicotine delivery capabilities may contribute to its addictiveness and its ability to compete with cigarettes for market share.

Main Message:
The research letter highlights the potential concerns associated with JUUL's high and fast nicotine delivery capabilities, which may contribute to its addictiveness and market share. The study's findings emphasize the need for further research and regulation of ENDS, particularly those with high nicotine concentrations, to ensure public health and safety.

Yingst JM, hrabovsky S, hobkirk a, Trushin N, Richie JP, Foulds J. Nicotine absorption Profile among Regular Users of a Pod-Based Electronic Nicotine Delivery System. JaMa network open. 2019;2(11):1. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2019.15494