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Goldenson NI, Shiffman S, Sembower MA, Black RA. Assessment of abuse liability and switching potential of menthol-flavored pod-based electronic nicotine delivery systems among US adults who smoke cigarettes. Drug Alcohol Depend 2024; 258:111279. [PMID: 38614020 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2024.111279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 03/18/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/15/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Menthol-flavored electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) are a focus of public health and regulatory policy considerations. The abuse liability of five menthol-flavored pod-based ENDS was compared to combustible cigarettes, and switching potential of ENDS was also evaluated. METHODS 215 US adults who smoke cigarettes (34.4% female; mean age[SD]=29.60[8.75]; 40.9% non-Hispanic White; mean cigarettes/day[SD]=12.04[8.52]) completed a randomized 6-arm within-person cross-over product-use study. Participants used five pod-based menthol-flavored ENDS (JUUL2 Polar Menthol 1.5%, JUUL2 Prototype Fresh Menthol 3.0%, JUUL Menthol 5.0%, Vuse Alto Menthol 5.0%, NJOY Ace Menthol 5.0%) and their usual brand (UB) cigarette for 20minutes ad libitum. After each product use, subjective reinforcing effects relevant to abuse liability and associated with switching away from cigarettes (e.g., satisfaction, product liking) were assessed. RESULTS All ENDS products were rated substantially and statistically significantly lower than UB cigarette on measures of subjective reinforcing effects (ps<0.001). Satisfying effects of JUUL2 1.5% were rated significantly higher than other ENDS products. JUUL2 Prototype 3.0% and Vuse Alto 5.0% did not significantly differ (ps>0.05), and both were rated significantly higher than JUUL 5.0% and NJOY Ace 5.0% (ps<0.05). Differences in subjective responses to study products did not significantly differ by preference for menthol cigarettes or by current ENDS use. CONCLUSIONS Abuse liability of all menthol-flavored ENDS in this study was substantially lower than combustible cigarettes. Abuse liability of JUUL2 1.5% was within the range of currently marketed pod-based menthol-flavored ENDS products. JUUL2 1.5% likely has high potential for facilitating switching among US adults who smoke.
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Kim S, Shiffman S, Goldenson NI. Adult smokers' Complete Switching Away from Cigarettes at 6, 9, and 12 Months after Initially Purchasing a JUUL e-Cigarette. Subst Use Misuse 2024; 59:805-815. [PMID: 38238646 DOI: 10.1080/10826084.2024.2303990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/01/2024]
Abstract
Background: Electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) have the potential to benefit public health if smokers completely switch from cigarettes to ENDS. Methods: A cohort of adult smokers (age ≥ 21) who purchased a JUUL Starter Kit was followed for 12 months after the initial purchase. We defined "switching" as past-30-day abstinence from smoking (even if JUUL use had stopped), and analyzed factors associated with achievement and maintenance of self-reported repeated point-prevalence switching (RPPS) at three follow-ups, i.e., no past-30-day smoking at months 6, 9, and 12. Results: RPPS was reported by 21.6% of the 12,537 evaluable smokers. Smokers with lighter smoking history and lower cigarette dependence at baseline were more likely to report RPPS. RPPS was also associated with daily use of JUUL (Month-3: OR = 2.32, 95% CI = 2.02-2.68; Month-6: OR = 1.73, 95% CI = 1.42-2.10), and with greater subjective reinforcing effects from JUUL use (assessed by the mCEQ, Month-3: OR = 1.46, 95% CI = 1.38-1.56; Month-6: OR = 1.11; 95% CI = 1.02-1.20). Even among smokers who did not meet the criteria of RPPS (i.e., who smoked at least once), 35.5% reported past 30-day point-prevalence switching on at least one follow-up, and their cigarette consumption was substantially reduced compared to baseline. Conclusions: Approximately one-fifth of adult smokers reported 30-day point-prevalence abstinence at 6, 9, and 12 months after purchasing JUUL. Greater use of JUUL and stronger subjective reinforcing effects were associated with nonsmoking, validating the potential for ENDS to substitute for smoking, with potential for positive impacts on individual and population health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sooyong Kim
- PinneyAssociates, Inc., Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Saul Shiffman
- PinneyAssociates, Inc., Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
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Fearon IM. Human abuse liability assessment of e-cigarettes: Why, what and how? Drug Test Anal 2023; 15:1211-1221. [PMID: 35302289 DOI: 10.1002/dta.3251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Revised: 02/04/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Cigarette smoking is the world's leading cause of preventable death and disease. Alternative nicotine products such as e-cigarettes have tobacco harm reduction potential, by providing smokers with an alternative form of nicotine delivery but with either the reduced presence or absence of the numerous harmful chemicals found in combustible cigarette smoke. One aspect of importance in determining the potential of e-cigarettes to provide a viable alternative to combustible cigarettes for smokers is their ability to cause dependence, also known as their abuse liability. E-cigarettes with little or no abuse liability would be unlikely to be used as a substitute for cigarettes, whereas at least some degree of abuse liability is acknowledged as supportive both to aiding cigarette substitution or complete cessation and to preventing relapse. Given this link between abuse liability and substitution efficacy, human studies assessing the abuse liability of e-cigarettes are important to determine their true harm reduction potential. In this review, the concept of tobacco product abuse liability is discussed, along with the primary elements-pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics (subjective effects)-that need to be assessed to determine abuse liability. The review also presents a number of human abuse liability study design considerations and discusses what existing studies in the literature tell us about the abuse liability and harm reduction potential of e-cigarettes.
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McDermott S, Reichmann K, Mason E, Fearon IM, O'Connell G, Nahde T. An assessment of nicotine pharmacokinetics and subjective effects of the pulze heated tobacco system compared with cigarettes. Sci Rep 2023; 13:9037. [PMID: 37270650 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-36259-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 06/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Nicotine delivery and subjective effects are determinants of the ability of potentially less harmful tobacco products such as heated tobacco products (HTPs) to support adult smokers in switching away from cigarettes, and therefore to support tobacco harm reduction. This open-label, randomised, crossover, clinical study in 24 healthy adult smokers study assessed nicotine pharmacokinetics and subjective effects of the Pulze Heated Tobacco System (HTS; Pulze HTP device and three iD stick variants-Intense American Blend, Regular American Blend and Regular Menthol) compared with subjects' usual brand cigarettes (UBC). Cmax and AUCt were highest for UBC and significantly lower for each Pulze HTS variant. Cmax and AUCt were significantly higher for Intense American Blend compared with Regular American Blend, while AUCt was significantly higher for Intense American Blend compared with Regular Menthol. Median Tmax was lowest (i.e., nicotine delivery was fastest) for subjects' usual brand cigarettes and similar across the iD stick variants, although no between-product differences were statistically significant. All study products reduced urges to smoke; this effect was greatest for cigarettes although this was not statistically significant. Product evaluation scores for each Pulze HTS variant in the domains of 'satisfaction', 'psychological reward' and 'relief' were similar, and lower than those for UBC. These data demonstrate that the Pulze HTS effectively delivers nicotine and generates positive subjective effects, including satisfaction and reduced urge to smoke. This supports the conclusion that the Pulze HTS may be an acceptable alternative to cigarettes for adult smokers while having a lower abuse liability than cigarettes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon McDermott
- ICON PLC, South County Business Park, Leopardstown, Dublin 18, Ireland
| | | | - Elizabeth Mason
- Imperial Brands PLC, 121 Winterstoke Road, Bristol, BS3 2LL, UK
| | - Ian M Fearon
- whatIF? Consulting Ltd, The Crispin, Burr Street, Harwell, OX11 0DT, UK
| | - Grant O'Connell
- Imperial Brands PLC, 121 Winterstoke Road, Bristol, BS3 2LL, UK
| | - Thomas Nahde
- Reemtsma Cigarettenfabriken GmbH, Max-Born-Straße 4, 22761, Hamburg, Germany.
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Gades MS, Alcheva A, Riegelman AL, Hatsukami DK. The Role of Nicotine and Flavor in the Abuse Potential and Appeal of Electronic Cigarettes for Adult Current and Former Cigarette and Electronic Cigarette Users: A Systematic Review. Nicotine Tob Res 2022; 24:1332-1343. [PMID: 35305014 PMCID: PMC9356694 DOI: 10.1093/ntr/ntac073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2021] [Revised: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 03/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Many adult cigarette smokers use electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) to cut down on or quit smoking cigarettes. E-cigarettes with higher abuse potential and appeal might facilitate complete switching. E-liquid nicotine concentration and flavor are two of the characteristics that may affect the abuse potential and appeal of e-cigarettes. The objective of this systematic review was to compile results from survey, animal, human laboratory, and clinical studies to understand the possible effects of nicotine concentration and flavor on abuse potential and appeal of e-cigarettes in adult current and former cigarette and e-cigarette users. AIMS AND METHODS A comprehensive literature search was conducted in Ovid Medline and PsycINFO followed by citation tracking in Web of Science Core Collection. Peer-reviewed studies published in English between 2007 and August 2020 were selected that analyzed differences between e-liquid nicotine concentration and/or flavors, had outcome measures related to abuse potential and/or appeal, and included adult humans (18+) or animals. A total of 1624 studies were identified and screened. A qualitative synthesis of results was performed. RESULTS Results from 104 studies included in this review suggest that higher nicotine concentration and access to a variety of flavors are likely to be associated with higher abuse potential and appeal of e-cigarettes for adult current and former cigarette and e-cigarette users. CONCLUSIONS Higher nicotine concentrations and the availability of a variety of flavors in e-cigarettes might facilitate complete substitution for cigarettes. Future e-cigarette regulations should take into account their impact on smokers, for whom e-cigarettes may be a cessation tool or reduced-harm alternative. IMPLICATIONS E-cigarettes may provide a reduced-harm alternative to cigarettes for smokers unwilling/unable to quit or serve as a path for quitting all nicotine products. Higher nicotine concentrations and flavor variety are associated with higher abuse potential and appeal of e-cigarettes. Higher abuse potential and appeal products may help facilitate complete switching from cigarettes to e-cigarettes. Regulation of nicotine concentration and flavors aimed at decreasing naïve uptake may inadvertently decrease uptake and complete switching among smokers, reducing the harm reduction potential of e-cigarettes. Evidence-based effects of regulating nicotine concentration and flavors must be considered for the population as a whole, including smokers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mari S Gades
- Department of Psychology, University of Minnesota, 75 E. River Road, Minneapolis, MN, 55454, USA
| | - Aleksandra Alcheva
- Division of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health and Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, 2231 6th Street SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Amy L Riegelman
- Social Sciences Department, University of Minnesota Libraries, 309 19 Avenue S., Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
| | - Dorothy K Hatsukami
- Masonic Cancer Center and Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Minnesota, 717 Delaware St. SE, Minneapolis, MN, 55414, USA
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Pharmacokinetic and subjective assessment of prototype JUUL2 electronic nicotine delivery system in two nicotine concentrations, JUUL system, IQOS, and combustible cigarette. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2022; 239:977-988. [PMID: 35184228 PMCID: PMC8858085 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-022-06100-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Electronic nicotine delivery systems and heated tobacco products are noncombustible alternatives for adult smokers. Evidence suggests sufficient nicotine delivery and satisfying effects are necessary to facilitate switching away from smoking; nicotine delivery varies across electronic nicotine delivery systems within limited nicotine concentrations. OBJECTIVES To assess the nicotine delivery and subjective effects of prototype JUUL2 System in two nicotine concentrations, currently-marketed US JUUL System ("JUUL"), IQOS-brand heated tobacco product, and combustible cigarettes. METHODS Adult smokers (N = 40) completed a 5-arm cross-over product-use laboratory confinement study. Nicotine pharmacokinetics and subjective effects were assessed following use of: (1) JUUL2 prototype 18 mg/mL nicotine; (2) JUUL2 prototype 40 mg/mL; (3) JUUL 59 mg/mL; (4) IQOS 18 mg/g; and (5) usual brand combustible cigarette, each evaluated during ad libitum (10 min) and controlled (5 min, 10 standardized puffs) use. RESULTS Nicotine delivery was greatest for combustible cigarettes, followed by JUUL2 prototype 40 mg/mL, IQOS, JUUL2 prototype 18 mg/mL, and JUUL 59 mg/mL. Nicotine delivery from JUUL2 prototype 18 mg/mL was significantly greater than JUUL 59 mg/mL after ad libitum use. JUUL products were significantly more satisfying and effective at reducing craving than IQOS. JUUL2 prototype 40 mg/mL was significantly more aversive than other JUUL products. CONCLUSIONS Prototype JUUL2 and JUUL 59 mg/mL products were rated higher than IQOS on subjective measures associated with switching away from smoking. The JUUL2 prototype 40 mg/mL produced aversive responses and would require modifications to be a viable product for adult smokers. Nicotine delivery and subjective responses to JUUL2 prototype 18 mg/mL suggest a product based on this prototype may facilitate increased switching among adult smokers.
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Goldenson NI, Fearon IM, Buchhalter AR, Henningfield JE. An Open-Label, Randomized, Controlled, Crossover Study to Assess Nicotine Pharmacokinetics and Subjective Effects of the JUUL System with Three Nicotine Concentrations Relative to Combustible Cigarettes in Adult Smokers. Nicotine Tob Res 2021; 23:947-955. [PMID: 33486526 PMCID: PMC8628869 DOI: 10.1093/ntr/ntab001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2020] [Accepted: 01/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Introduction This randomized, open-label, crossover clinical study evaluated nicotine
pharmacokinetics (PK) and subjective effects of the JUUL System (JS; Juul
Labs, Inc.) with three nicotine concentrations compared to the usual brand
(UB) cigarettes in 24 adult smokers. Methods At five study visits, subjects used either the JS in 59 mg/mL, JS 18 mg/mL
(two visits), and JS 9 mg/mL (all tobacco-flavored) or smoked their UB
cigarette first during a controlled puffing sequence (CPS) and then ad
libitum (5 min) use sessions. Blood samples were taken at specified
timepoints for 60 min in each session. The modified Product Evaluation Scale
assessed subjective effects 30-min post-use in the CPS session. Results Maximum plasma nicotine concentration (Cmax-BL),
total nicotine exposure (AUC0-60-BL), and rate of plasma nicotine
rise were significantly lower for all JS products compared to subjects' UB
cigarette in CPS and ad libitum use sessions. In both use sessions these PK
parameters were significantly higher for JS 59 mg/mL compared to 18 and 9
mg/mL. Subjective measures of cigarette craving relief and “Enough
Nicotine” for JS 59 mg/mL did not differ significantly from UB
cigarettes, but JS 18 and 9 mg/mL were rated significantly lower than JS 59
mg/mL and UB cigarettes. Conclusions Nicotine exposure and subjective relief were directly related to JS nicotine
concentration: higher nicotine concentrations gave rise to significantly
greater plasma nicotine levels and relief from craving. Heavier and more
dependent smokers may require the greater nicotine delivery of JS 59 mg/mL
to successfully transition away from cigarettes. Implications It has been suggested that electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) and
other alternative nicotine delivery products that more closely mimic the
nicotine pharmacokinetics (PK) of cigarettes may facilitate smokers
transitioning away from cigarettes. We examined nicotine PK and subjective
effects of JUUL System (JS) ENDS with three nicotine concentrations (59, 18
and 9 mg/mL) compared to combustible cigarettes. Nicotine delivery from JS
ENDS was nicotine concentration dependent, with higher nicotine
concentrations giving rise to higher nicotine exposure. These findings
suggest that heavier and more dependent smokers may require ENDS with
nicotine concentrations greater than 20 mg/mL to successfully transition
away from cigarettes.
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