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Clinical Pharmacology of Electronic Cigarettes

Clinical Pharmacology of Electronic Cigarettes

Status
Completed
Phases
NA
Study type
Interventional
Source
ClinicalTrials.gov
Registry ID
NCT02470754
Enrollment
38
Registered
2015-06-12
Start date
2015-07-23
Completion date
2018-02-02
Last updated
2023-06-22

For informational purposes only — not medical advice. Sourced from public registries and may not reflect the latest updates. Terms

Conditions

Nicotine Dependence

Brief summary

The purpose of this study is to learn more about nicotine exposure and the safety of electronic cigarettes (EC). It will focus on the areas that are thought to most closely relate to the addictive potential of EC, namely: (1) EC as nicotine delivery devices, covering issues of nicotine intake and pharmacokinetics, temporal patterns of use and titration of nicotine; and (2) subjective effects of EC use, including relationship of use to reward, withdrawal and craving.

Detailed description

Electronic cigarettes (EC) are nicotine delivery devices that generate a nicotine-containing aerosol which is inhaled by the user. EC are perceived by users to be useful in helping quitting smoking of conventional tobacco cigarettes (TC) as well as having a presumed lower risk of adverse health effects compared to TC, the potential for use in public places, reduced cost, and lack of the noxious clinging odors associated with TC use. Many believe that electronic cigarette (EC) function as nicotine delivery devices in the same way as tobacco cigarettes (TC), and that EC will prove to be just as addictive as TC, but this may not be the case because of fundamental differences in the design and method of use of these products. Investigators hypothesize that systemic nicotine exposure will be lower with EC compared to TC; that despite lower nicotine intake EC users will experience similar reward and no greater withdrawal symptoms or craving compared to TC; and that dual EC/ TC users will not titrate their daily intake of nicotine in the same way that TC smokers of high- vs low-yield nicotine TC do. Investigators specifically focus on the areas that are thought to most closely relate to the addictive potential of EC, namely: (1) EC as nicotine delivery devices, covering issues of nicotine intake and pharmacokinetics, temporal patterns of use and titration of nicotine; and (2) subjective effects of EC use, including relationship of use to reward, withdrawal and craving. The investigators will also examine aspects of safety of EC use (by assessment of cardiovascular and hormonal effects of use and of biomarkers of exposure to potentially toxic constituents) and explore the identification and validation of biomarkers that may be useful in distinguishing EC from TC use. Study subjects will be dual users of TC and EC so that the investigators may compare both modalities of use in experienced users in a within-subject design. The study will consist of two 1-week blocks (EC-only or TC-only conditions) with 4 days of outpatient ad libitum product use followed by 3 days in a clinical research ward to include a single-use pharmacokinetic study, monitoring of product use, subjective assessments, blood and urine collections to assess biomarkers, and a 24-hour period of cardiovascular monitoring. Two additional days at the end of the 2nd block will assess similar measurements during a period of nicotine-product abstention.

Interventions

Usual brand tobacco cigarette smoked by study participant.

DEVICEElectronic Cigarette

Usual brand electronic cigarettes smoked by study participant.

Sponsors

National Institutes of Health (NIH)
CollaboratorNIH
Roswell Park Cancer Institute
CollaboratorOTHER
National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)
CollaboratorNIH
University of California, San Francisco
Lead SponsorOTHER

Study design

Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
CROSSOVER
Primary purpose
BASIC_SCIENCE
Masking
NONE

Eligibility

Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
21 Years to No maximum
Healthy volunteers
Yes

Inclusion criteria

* Healthy on the basis of medical history and limited physical examination as described below: * Heart rate \< 105 BPM\* * Systolic Blood Pressure \< 160 and \> 90\* * Diastolic Blood Pressure \< 100 and \> 50\* * Body Mass Index ≤ 38.0 \*Considered out of range if both machine and manual readings are above/below these thresholds. * Current regular dual user of both EC and conventional TC * EC device is one of the most popular 1st, 2nd or 3rd generation brands (with the exception of rebuildable atomizers) as determined at time of study commencement * Carbon monoxide ≥ 5 ppm or per discretion of Principal Investigator * Saliva cotinine ≥50 ng/ml or urine cotinine * Age: ≥ 21 years

Exclusion criteria

* Current regular use of selected psychiatric medications * Current regular use of cardiovascular medications for cardiovascular conditions including hypertension (Example: beta and alpha-blockers) * Current regular use of medications inducers of nicotine metabolizing enzymes CYP2A6 (Example: rifampicin, dexamethasone, phenobarbital, and other anticonvulsant drugs). * Use of other tobacco products * Pregnancy or breastfeeding (by history and pregnancy test) * Concurrent use of nicotine-containing medications * Drug/Alcohol Dependence * Positive toxicology test at the screening visit (THC okay) * Concurrent participation in another clinical trial * Inability to communicate in English * Planning to quit smoking within the next 60 days

Design outcomes

Primary

MeasureTime frameDescription
PK-estimated Nicotine DoseInpatient Day 1, Up to 4 Hours post SessionEstimated in dose received (in milligrams) during the Standardized Session.
Standardized Session: Mean CMaxInpatient Day 1, Up to 4 Hours post Nicotine AdministrationMaximum Plasma Nicotine Concentration (Cmax) (ng/mL)
Standardized Session: Mean TMaxInpatient Day 1, Up to 4 Hours post SessionTime (min) when Max Plasma Nicotine Concentration was achieved
Standardized Session: AUC 0-240Inpatient Day 1, Up to 4 Hours post SessionPlasma Nicotine area-under-the curve from 0 to 4 Hours (min\*ng/ml)

Secondary

MeasureTime frameDescription
Standardized Session: QSU Factor 2 (Vaping)Inpatient Day 1, Up to 4 Hours post SessionQuestionnaire for Smoking Urges Brief modified for e-cigarettes to measure urge to vape.Two factor scores and a total score were derived. Factor 1 represents the desire and intention to smoke with smoking perceived as rewarding, while Factor 2 represents an anticipation of relief from negative effect with an urgent desire to smoke. Scores range from 5 to 35 with higher scores indicating a higher level of craving.
Standardized Session: QSU Factor 2 (Smoking)Inpatient Day 1, Up to 4 Hours post SessionQuestionnaire for Smoking Urges Brief measures urge to smoke.Two factor scores and a total score were derived. Factor 1 represents the desire and intention to smoke with smoking perceived as rewarding, while Factor 2 represents an anticipation of relief from negative effect with an urgent desire to smoke. Scores range from 5 to 35 with higher scores indicating a higher level of craving.
Standardized Session: QSU Factor 1 (Smoking)Inpatient Day 1, Up to 4 Hours post SessionQuestionnaire for Smoking Urges Brief measures urge to smoke.Two factor scores and a total score were derived. Factor 1 represents the desire and intention to smoke with smoking perceived as rewarding, while Factor 2 represents an anticipation of relief from negative effect with an urgent desire to smoke. Scores range from 5 to 35 with higher scores indicating a higher level of craving.
Standardized Session: QSU Factor 1 (Vaping)Inpatient Day 1, Up to 4 Hours post SessionQuestionnaire for Smoking Urges Brief modified for e-cigarettes to measure urge to vape.Two factor scores and a total score were derived. Factor 1 represents the desire and intention to smoke with smoking perceived as rewarding, while Factor 2 represents an anticipation of relief from negative effect with an urgent desire to smoke.Scores range from 5 to 35 with higher scores indicating a higher level of craving.
Standardized Session: Positive and Negative Affect Score (Negative Affect)Inpatient Day 1, Up to 4 Hours post SessionThe PANAS Scale or Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS) is a self-report questionnaire. PANAS, (Sandín et al., 1999; Watson, Clark & Tellegen, 1988).This instrument is composed of 20 items: 10 items measuring positive affective states and 10 items measuring negative affect states.This subscale measures a person's negative emotions. Scores range from 10- 50 with higher scores indicating stronger negative feelings.
Standardized Session: Minnesota Nicotine Withdrawal ScaleInpatient Day 1, Up to 4 Hours post SessionMinnesota Nicotine Withdrawal Scale (MNWS) is a Self-Report Scale for measuring the severity of nicotine withdrawal symptoms.The possible range of scores for the 12-Item MNWS is between 0 and 48 with higher scores indicated greater withdrawal symptom severity.

Other

MeasureTime frameDescription
Standardized Session: Half-lifeInpatient Day 1, Up to 4 Hours post SessionEstimated Time (min) to reduce the plasma nicotine concentration by half based on observed pharmacokinetics.

Countries

United States

Participant flow

Participants by arm

ArmCount
Completers
all completed
36
Total36

Baseline characteristics

CharacteristicCompleters
Age, Continuous35.4 years
STANDARD_DEVIATION 11.7
Cigarettes per day12.9 Cigarettes per day
STANDARD_DEVIATION 6.4
Days of EC use in past 3022.6 Days
STANDARD_DEVIATION 7.3
E-Cigarette Use index6.5 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 6.5
EC times per day8.1 Sessions per day
STANDARD_DEVIATION 7.2
EC to TC use ratio0.57 ratio
STANDARD_DEVIATION 0.56
EC type
Cig-a-like
12 Participants
EC type
Fixed-power
15 Participants
EC type
Pod
3 Participants
EC type
Variable-power
6 Participants
Fagerstrom Test for Cigarette Dependence4.4 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 2
Flavor category
Dessert/candy
8 Participants
Flavor category
Fruit
5 Participants
Flavor category
Menthol
5 Participants
Flavor category
Tobacco
18 Participants
Race/Ethnicity, Customized
Asian
2 Participants
Race/Ethnicity, Customized
Black
3 Participants
Race/Ethnicity, Customized
Latino
4 Participants
Race/Ethnicity, Customized
Mixed
5 Participants
Race/Ethnicity, Customized
White
22 Participants
Region of Enrollment
United States
36 participants
Salivary cotinine189 ng/mL
STANDARD_DEVIATION 92.8
Sex: Female, Male
Female
8 Participants
Sex: Female, Male
Male
28 Participants
Time to first cigarette
30-60 min
8 Participants
Time to first cigarette
5-30 min
21 Participants
Time to first cigarette
≤ 5 min
6 Participants
Time to first cigarette
>60 min
1 Participants
Time to first vape
30-60 min
4 Participants
Time to first vape
5-30 min
12 Participants
Time to first vape
≤ 5 min
1 Participants
Time to first vape
> 60 min
19 Participants

Adverse events

Event typeEG000
affected / at risk
EG001
affected / at risk
deaths
Total, all-cause mortality
0 / 380 / 38
other
Total, other adverse events
0 / 380 / 38
serious
Total, serious adverse events
0 / 380 / 38

Outcome results

Primary

PK-estimated Nicotine Dose

Estimated in dose received (in milligrams) during the Standardized Session.

Time frame: Inpatient Day 1, Up to 4 Hours post Session

Population: Pod Users Excluded

ArmMeasureValue (MEAN)Dispersion
Electronic CigarettePK-estimated Nicotine Dose0.9 mgStandard Deviation 0.7
Combustible CigarettePK-estimated Nicotine Dose2.2 mgStandard Deviation 1.2
Primary

Standardized Session: AUC 0-240

Plasma Nicotine area-under-the curve from 0 to 4 Hours (min\*ng/ml)

Time frame: Inpatient Day 1, Up to 4 Hours post Session

Population: Pod users excluded

ArmMeasureValue (MEAN)Dispersion
Electronic CigaretteStandardized Session: AUC 0-240550 min*ng/mlStandard Deviation 438
Combustible CigaretteStandardized Session: AUC 0-2401368 min*ng/mlStandard Deviation 665
Primary

Standardized Session: Mean CMax

Maximum Plasma Nicotine Concentration (Cmax) (ng/mL)

Time frame: Inpatient Day 1, Up to 4 Hours post Nicotine Administration

Population: Pod users excluded

ArmMeasureValue (MEAN)Dispersion
Electronic CigaretteStandardized Session: Mean CMax6.1 ng/mLStandard Deviation 5.5
Combustible CigaretteStandardized Session: Mean CMax20.2 ng/mLStandard Deviation 11.1
Primary

Standardized Session: Mean TMax

Time (min) when Max Plasma Nicotine Concentration was achieved

Time frame: Inpatient Day 1, Up to 4 Hours post Session

Population: Pod users excluded

ArmMeasureValue (MEAN)Dispersion
Electronic CigaretteStandardized Session: Mean TMax6.5 minutesStandard Deviation 5.4
Combustible CigaretteStandardized Session: Mean TMax2.7 minutesStandard Deviation 2.4
Secondary

Standardized Session: Minnesota Nicotine Withdrawal Scale

Minnesota Nicotine Withdrawal Scale (MNWS) is a Self-Report Scale for measuring the severity of nicotine withdrawal symptoms.The possible range of scores for the 12-Item MNWS is between 0 and 48 with higher scores indicated greater withdrawal symptom severity.

Time frame: Inpatient Day 1, Up to 4 Hours post Session

Population: Pod Users Excluded

ArmMeasureValue (MEAN)Dispersion
Electronic CigaretteStandardized Session: Minnesota Nicotine Withdrawal Scale10.8 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 7.9
Combustible CigaretteStandardized Session: Minnesota Nicotine Withdrawal Scale9.6 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 7.4
Secondary

Standardized Session: Positive and Negative Affect Score (Negative Affect)

The PANAS Scale or Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS) is a self-report questionnaire. PANAS, (Sandín et al., 1999; Watson, Clark & Tellegen, 1988).This instrument is composed of 20 items: 10 items measuring positive affective states and 10 items measuring negative affect states.This subscale measures a person's negative emotions. Scores range from 10- 50 with higher scores indicating stronger negative feelings.

Time frame: Inpatient Day 1, Up to 4 Hours post Session

ArmMeasureValue (MEAN)Dispersion
Electronic CigaretteStandardized Session: Positive and Negative Affect Score (Negative Affect)14.3 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 5.6
Combustible CigaretteStandardized Session: Positive and Negative Affect Score (Negative Affect)14.0 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 5
Secondary

Standardized Session: QSU Factor 1 (Smoking)

Questionnaire for Smoking Urges Brief measures urge to smoke.Two factor scores and a total score were derived. Factor 1 represents the desire and intention to smoke with smoking perceived as rewarding, while Factor 2 represents an anticipation of relief from negative effect with an urgent desire to smoke. Scores range from 5 to 35 with higher scores indicating a higher level of craving.

Time frame: Inpatient Day 1, Up to 4 Hours post Session

Population: Pod Users Excluded

ArmMeasureValue (MEAN)Dispersion
Electronic CigaretteStandardized Session: QSU Factor 1 (Smoking)22.9 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 9.8
Combustible CigaretteStandardized Session: QSU Factor 1 (Smoking)24.2 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 9.9
Secondary

Standardized Session: QSU Factor 1 (Vaping)

Questionnaire for Smoking Urges Brief modified for e-cigarettes to measure urge to vape.Two factor scores and a total score were derived. Factor 1 represents the desire and intention to smoke with smoking perceived as rewarding, while Factor 2 represents an anticipation of relief from negative effect with an urgent desire to smoke.Scores range from 5 to 35 with higher scores indicating a higher level of craving.

Time frame: Inpatient Day 1, Up to 4 Hours post Session

ArmMeasureValue (MEAN)Dispersion
Electronic CigaretteStandardized Session: QSU Factor 1 (Vaping)23.9 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 8.6
Combustible CigaretteStandardized Session: QSU Factor 1 (Vaping)20.7 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 10
Secondary

Standardized Session: QSU Factor 2 (Smoking)

Questionnaire for Smoking Urges Brief measures urge to smoke.Two factor scores and a total score were derived. Factor 1 represents the desire and intention to smoke with smoking perceived as rewarding, while Factor 2 represents an anticipation of relief from negative effect with an urgent desire to smoke. Scores range from 5 to 35 with higher scores indicating a higher level of craving.

Time frame: Inpatient Day 1, Up to 4 Hours post Session

Population: Pod Users Excluded

ArmMeasureValue (MEAN)Dispersion
Electronic CigaretteStandardized Session: QSU Factor 2 (Smoking)14.4 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 6.6
Combustible CigaretteStandardized Session: QSU Factor 2 (Smoking)14.1 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 7.2
Secondary

Standardized Session: QSU Factor 2 (Vaping)

Questionnaire for Smoking Urges Brief modified for e-cigarettes to measure urge to vape.Two factor scores and a total score were derived. Factor 1 represents the desire and intention to smoke with smoking perceived as rewarding, while Factor 2 represents an anticipation of relief from negative effect with an urgent desire to smoke. Scores range from 5 to 35 with higher scores indicating a higher level of craving.

Time frame: Inpatient Day 1, Up to 4 Hours post Session

Population: Pod Users Excluded

ArmMeasureValue (MEAN)Dispersion
Electronic CigaretteStandardized Session: QSU Factor 2 (Vaping)14.9 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 6.8
Combustible CigaretteStandardized Session: QSU Factor 2 (Vaping)13.0 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 7
Other Pre-specified

Standardized Session: Half-life

Estimated Time (min) to reduce the plasma nicotine concentration by half based on observed pharmacokinetics.

Time frame: Inpatient Day 1, Up to 4 Hours post Session

Population: Pod Users Excluded

ArmMeasureValue (MEAN)Dispersion
Electronic CigaretteStandardized Session: Half-life137.6 minStandard Deviation 39.3
Combustible CigaretteStandardized Session: Half-life121.2 minStandard Deviation 33.9

Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · Data processed: Feb 17, 2026