Exploring the Potential of Nicotine Pouches as a Smoking Cessation Tool
A new study at the University of Wisconsin-Madison is examining whether nicotine pouches, such as Zyn, can serve as an effective alternative to traditional cigarette smoking. The research aims to understand how these products might help smokers reduce or eliminate their dependence on tobacco. As part of the study, participants who are willing to quit smoking for four weeks could earn up to $380.
The UW Center for Tobacco Research and Intervention is leading this initiative, with the goal of assessing the role of nicotine pouches in public health. According to Dr. Thomas Piasecki, a researcher at the center, “The toxic byproducts of burning tobacco are responsible for a great deal of the health harms caused by smoking cigarettes. If people can switch from cigarettes to nicotine pouches, that would likely be a win for public health.”
This research comes at a time when smoking rates have declined but remain a significant concern. In 2023, 12% of Wisconsin adults were current cigarette smokers, according to the university. This represents a decrease from about 25 years ago, when one in four Wisconsin adults smoked. Cigarette smoking and secondhand smoke exposure are responsible for nearly 90% of lung cancer deaths in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Nicotine pouches entered the U.S. market in 2016 and have since gained popularity. These small, microfiber sachets contain nicotine but no tobacco leaf. Brands like On!, Velo, and Zyn have become increasingly common among users seeking alternatives to traditional smoking. While they are considered less harmful than cigarettes, they still carry health risks, including oral cancer and gum disease. The Food and Drug Administration has authorized Zyn products for sale, and the agency is currently reviewing whether they could be approved as reduced-harm products.
Despite their potential benefits, there is still much unknown about how effectively nicotine pouches can replace smoking. Dr. Piasecki highlighted that researchers are interested in understanding how readily people who smoke will adopt these products, how well they substitute for cigarettes during attempts to quit, and the role of nicotine dose in successful substitution. Additionally, the study will explore factors that may promote or hinder the transition from smoking to using nicotine pouches.
The center recently received a $3.8 million grant from the National Institutes of Health to support this research. This funding will allow the team to conduct a comprehensive analysis of nicotine pouches’ impact on smoking behavior.
How to Participate in the Study
The study is looking for 300 participants from the Madison and Milwaukee areas who are 21 years or older and currently smoke but do not plan to quit. Each participant will be assigned one of four product conditions:
- 3-mg nicotine pouches
- 6-mg nicotine pouches
- Nicotine mini-lozenges (2- or 4-mg)
- No study product
Participants will test the assigned product for four weeks and will be asked not to smoke their usual cigarettes during this time. At certain intervals, they will visit the clinic after not smoking overnight to use their assigned product during a 30-minute sampling test. During these visits, researchers will assess participants for withdrawal symptoms and overall experience.
Dr. Megan Piper, the center’s research director, emphasized the importance of this research. “This innovative, rigorous and timely research will provide critical information regarding the potential impact of nicotine pouches on participants’ use of combusted cigarettes,” she said. “We’ll also examine whether the nicotine dose influences the ability of pouches to replace cigarette use. Finally, we’ll consider product usage patterns and effects that may promote or hinder cigarette substitution.”
For more details about the study and to sign up, individuals can visit OptionsStudy.org. This opportunity offers a unique chance for smokers to contribute to important public health research while earning financial compensation for their participation.
