A randomised, controlled, two-Centre open-label study in healthy Japanese subjects to evaluate the effect on biomarkers of exposure of switching from a conventional cigarette to a tobacco heating product

Effect of different types of smoking on oral health and on cellular changes in oral mucosa

Objectives

Smoking is known to be a major risk factor for several diseases. Recently, electronic cigarettes have been introduced to the market; however, their effect on oral health has not been well studied yet. We aim to compare the effect of different types of smoking on oral health and to evaluate cytomorphological changes in oral mucosa among different types of smokers.

Study design

A total of 112 participants were recruited, conventional cigarette smokers (n = 28), electronic cigarettes smokers (n = 26), hookah smokers (n = 29) and non-smokers (n = 29). Oral examination, brush cytology and salivary flow test were performed. Cytological smears were stained and examined for cytomorphological changes. Oral symptoms, type, and frequency of smoking were obtained through questionnaires. SPSS program was used for statistical analysis.

Results

Most of the oral symptoms reported in this study were among conventional and electronic cigarettes smokers. While hookah smokers reported the least oral symptoms. Increase in DMFT and gingival index were observed among all smokers, mainly among conventional cigarettes smokers. Conventional cigarette and hookah smokers were found to have the most significant cellular changes. Electronic cigarette smokers had certain cellular changes as well.

Conclusion

All types of smoking adversely affect oral health and can induce cellular changes in the oral mucosa.

Critical appraisal of interventional clinical trials assessing heated tobacco products: a systematic review

OBJECTIVE

To critically assess the methodological characteristics and quality of interventional clinical trials investigating the effects of heated tobacco products (HTPs).

DATA SOURCES

Web of Science (Core collection and MEDLINE), Scopus, MedRxiv, ClinicalTrials.gov and ICTRP trial databases and transnational HTP manufacturer online publication libraries were searched for clinical trials on HTPs published between January 2010 and April 2022.

STUDY SELECTION

Interventional clinical trials of any design, in which at least one group of adult participants used a currently marketed HTP, were selected by two reviewers with good or very good agreement.

DATA EXTRACTION

Data relating to trial characteristics and effects of intervention on primary outcomes were extracted using a predesigned form. Risk of bias was assessed using Cochrane's Risk of Bias tool v1.

DATA SYNTHESIS

40 trials were included, 29 of which were tobacco industry affiliated. Methodological characteristics, such as registration, design, setting, comparator interventions, participants, outcomes and analyses, varied between trials, though there were few significant differences between industry-affiliated and independent trials. Of the 40 trials, 33 were judged to be at high risk of bias and 6 at unclear risk of bias. Trial findings were not significantly associated with either affiliation or risk of bias.

CONCLUSIONS

The conduct and reporting of HTP interventional clinical trials were poor in many respects and limited to investigating effects of short-term exposure. These trials fall short of what is needed to determine whether HTPs are beneficial to public health, meaning they may not be a sound basis for tobacco control policy decisions.

Biomarkers of exposure and potential harm in exclusive users of electronic cigarettes and current, former, and never smokers

Electronic cigarette (EC) aerosol emissions generally contain fewer and lower concentrations of harmful and potentially harmful constituents, compared with cigarette smoke. Further studies are needed to establish whether decreased emissions translate to reduced health risks for EC users. In a cross-sectional study, biomarkers of exposure (BoE) to certain tobacco smoke toxicants and biomarkers of potential harm (BoPH), associated with biological processes linked to the potential development of smoking-related diseases and oxidative stress, were assessed in solus Vuse ECs users and current, former, and never smokers. In total, 213 participants were enrolled, and smoking status was confirmed by urinary cotinine, exhaled carbon monoxide, and N-(2-cyanoethyl)valine levels (EC users and former smokers only). During confinement participants used their usual product (EC or cigarette) as normal and BoE and BoPHs were assessed via blood, 24-h urine, and physiological assessment. Significantly lower levels of all urinary BoE; MHBMA, HMPMA, 3-HPMA, NNN, 3-OH-B[a]P, S-PMA, NNAL (all p < 0.0001), and TNeq (p = 0.0074) were observed in EC users when compared with smokers. Moreover, significantly lower levels were observed in EC users for 3 of the 7 BoPH measured, carboxyhaemoglobin (p < 0.0001), soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (p = 0.0028), and 11-dehydrothromboxane B2 (p = 0.0012), when compared with smokers. As compared with smokers, solus Vuse EC users have significantly lower exposure to tobacco toxicants for the BoE, and 3 BoPH measured. These results add to the weight of evidence supporting EC as part of a tobacco harm reduction strategy.

Assessment of biomarkers of exposure and potential harm, and physiological and subjective health measures in exclusive users of nicotine pouches and current, former and never smokers

Background: Oral nicotine pouches (NPs) are smokeless, tobacco-free products that have a potential role in tobacco harm reduction strategies.Methods: In a cross-sectional study in Sweden/Denmark, several recognised biomarkers of potential harm (BoPHs) linked to smoking-related diseases/their initiating biological processes, and biomarkers of exposure (BoEs) to tobacco/tobacco smoke toxicants were compared among exclusive adult users of Velo NPs and current/former/never smokers. Over 24 h, participants used their usual product (Velo NP or cigarette) as normal, and BoEs/BoPHs were assessed via blood/24-h urine/exhaled breath/physiological assessments.Results: Among the primary endpoints, total NNAL (16.9 ± 29.47 vs 187.4 ± 228.93 pg/24 h), white blood cell count (5.59 ± 1.223 vs 6.90 ± 1.758 × 10⁹/L), and COHb (4.36 ± 0.525 vs 8.03 ± 2.173% saturation) were significantly lower among Velo users than among smokers (91%, 19% and 46% lower, respectively, all P < 0.0001), while fractional exhaled NO, previously shown to be lower in smokers, was significantly higher (23.18 ± 17.909 vs 11.20 ± 6.980 ppb) among Velo users (107% higher, P < 0.0001). Furthermore, sICAM-1 tended to be lower (185.9 ± 42.88 vs 204.5 ± 64.85 ng/mL) among Velo users than smokers (9% lower). Several secondary endpoints, including six BoEs (3-HPMA (246.7 ± 91.07 vs 1165.7 ± 718.35 μg/24 h), 3-OH-B[a]P (82.4 ± 217.58 vs 258.3 ± 190.20 pg/24 h), HMPMA (135.1 ± 77.85 vs 368.8 ± 183.15 μg/24 h), MHBMA (0.22 ± 0.166 vs 3.39 ± 2.943 μg/24 h), S-PMA (0.10 ± 0.059 vs 3.53 ± 2.736 µg/24 h) and total NNN (7.5 ± 24.84 vs 9.7 ± 5.93 ng/24 h)), were significantly lower among Velo users (78.8%, 68.1%, 63.4%, 93.5%, 97.2% and 22.7% lower, respectively, P < 0.0001-0.0011), while total nicotine equivalents was significantly higher among Velo users (22.6 ± 12.69 vs 12.1 ± 7.92 mg/24 h, P < 0.0001), although Velo user levels are comparable to those previously reported among oral tobacco users, and Velo user and smoker mean levels were similar in Denmark.Conclusion: As compared with smokers, exclusive users of Velo NPs have significantly less exposure to tobacco toxicants and more favourable BoPHs associated with initiating biological processes of smoking-related diseases.International Standard Registered Clinical Trial number: ISRCTN16988167.

Biomarkers of Exposure and Potential Harm in Exclusive Users of Nicotine Pouches and Current, Former, and Never Smokers: Protocol for a Cross-sectional Clinical Study

Background

Tobacco harm reduction (THR) aims to reduce the health burden of cigarettes by encouraging smokers to switch to using alternative tobacco or nicotine products. Nicotine pouches (NPs) are smokeless, tobacco-free, oral products that may be beneficial as part of a THR strategy.

Objective

This 2-center, cross-sectional confinement study conducted in Denmark and Sweden aimed to determine whether biomarkers of exposure (BoEs) to tobacco toxicants and biomarkers of potential harm (BoPHs) in exclusive users of NPs show favorable differences compared with current smokers.

Methods

Participants were healthy NP users (target n=100) and current, former, or never smokers (target n=40 each), as confirmed by urinary cotinine and exhaled carbon monoxide concentrations. During a 24-hour confinement period, participants were asked to use their usual product (NP or cigarette) as normal, and BoEs and BoPHs were measured in blood and 24-hour urine samples, with compliance determined using anabasine, anatabine, and N-(2-cyanoethyl)valine. BoEs and BoPHs were compared between NP users and current, former, and never smokers. Urinary total 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanol (BoE to nicotine-derived nitrosamine ketone) and urinary 8-epi-prostaglandin F2α type III, exhaled nitric oxide, blood carboxyhemoglobin, white blood cell count, soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (BoPHs) were evaluated as primary outcomes. Other measures included urinary 11-dehydrothromboxane B2, forced expiratory volume, carotid intima-media thickness, self-reported quality of life, and oral health.

Results

The results of this study were received in mid-2022 and will be published in late 2022 to early 2023.

Conclusions

The results of this study will provide information on toxicant exposure and biomarkers associated with the development of smoking-related diseases among users of NPs compared with smokers, as well as on the potential role of NPs in THR.

Trial Registration

International Standard Randomised Controlled Trial Number (ISRCTN) ISRCTN16988167; https://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN16988167

International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)

DERR1-10.2196/39785

Evaluation of behavioural, chemical, toxicological and clinical studies of a tobacco heated product glo™ and the potential for bridging from a foundational dataset to new product iterations

Background

Tobacco Heating Products (THPs) are tobacco products that heat rather than burn tobacco with temperatures less than 350 °C. Because of this operating principle, they produce substantially fewer and lower levels of tobacco smoke toxicants than combustible cigarette smoke produced when tobacco is burnt, which occurs at much higher temperatures of around 900 °C. This paper analyses data on a THP, glo™, and assesses whether its use would result in reduced health risks compared to the health risks of smoking cigarettes. It also looks at the possibility of bridging datasets across the different variants of the glo™ product.

Methods

The approach is to consider whether datasets from behavioural, chemical, toxicological and clinical studies provide consistent findings of reductions in toxicant exposure with glo™ use by subjects who switch completely from smoking cigarettes to using glo™ and whether these reductions are similar to those who stop smoking cigarettes without switching to glo™ or any other tobacco or nicotine product. We also examine the similarities and differences of different versions of the glo™ product and benchmark it against a THP from another manufacturer.

Results

The studies indicate that the use of the glo™ results in substantial and prolonged reductions in toxicant exposure for smokers who switch to glo™ completely. A long-term clinical study shows substantial reductions in toxicant exposure over a period of time, similar to reduction of some biomarkers of exposure found following smoking cessation without switching to glo™ or any other tobacco product, and biomarkers of potential harm trending in a favourable manner for both groups that switch to glo™ and that quit all tobacco and nicotine use. Data suggests that all iterations of glo™ result in substantial reductions in toxicant exposure compared to smoking cigarettes and that bridging across datasets is feasible.

Conclusions

Given the accumulated scientific data summarised in this paper, and particularly the findings from a long-term clinical study, the data demonstrate that glo™ is a reduced exposure product compared to combustible cigarettes and is reasonably deemed to reduce the risk of smoking-related diseases and supports the conclusion that smokers who would have otherwise continued to smoke and instead switch entirely to THP glo™ use, will reduce their relative risk of developing smoking-related diseases as compared to continued smoking. The extent of reduction in risk compared to continuing to smoke is likely to vary by smoking-related disease and by an individuals' smoking history, other risk factors and an individual's susceptibility to disease. Use of the THP will present some level of increased health risk as compared to cessation of tobacco and nicotine products and will cause dependence. As long as the principles of heat-not-burn are maintained, THP use will result in substantially reduced exposure to smoke toxicants as compared to continued conventional cigarette smoking. It is possible to use bridging or read across to apply these conclusions to new iterations of the glo™ product, extending the utility and validity of the evidence generated through study of prior iterations.

Heated tobacco products for smoking cessation and reducing smoking prevalence

BACKGROUND

Heated tobacco products (HTPs) are designed to heat tobacco to a high enough temperature to release aerosol, without burning it or producing smoke. They differ from e-cigarettes because they heat tobacco leaf/sheet rather than a liquid. Companies who make HTPs claim they produce fewer harmful chemicals than conventional cigarettes. Some people report stopping smoking cigarettes entirely by switching to using HTPs, so clinicians need to know whether they are effective for this purpose and relatively safe. Also, to regulate HTPs appropriately, policymakers should understand their impact on health and on cigarette smoking prevalence.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of HTPs for smoking cessation and the impact of HTPs on smoking prevalence.  SEARCH METHODS: We searched the Cochrane Tobacco Addiction Group's Specialised Register, CENTRAL, MEDLINE, and six other databases for relevant records to January 2021, together with reference-checking and contact with study authors and relevant groups.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) in which people who smoked cigarettes were randomised to switch to exclusive HTP use or a control condition. Eligible outcomes were smoking cessation, adverse events, and selected biomarkers.  RCTs conducted in clinic or in an ambulatory setting were deemed eligible when assessing safety, including those randomising participants to exclusively use HTPs, smoke cigarettes, or attempt abstinence from all tobacco. Time-series studies were also eligible for inclusion if they examined the population-level impact of heated tobacco on smoking prevalence or cigarette sales as an indirect measure.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

We followed standard Cochrane methods for screening and data extraction. Our primary outcome measures were abstinence from smoking at the longest follow-up point available, adverse events, serious adverse events, and changes in smoking prevalence or cigarette sales. Other outcomes included biomarkers of harm and exposure to toxicants/carcinogens (e.g. NNAL and carboxyhaemoglobin (COHb)). We used a random-effects Mantel-Haenszel model to calculate risk ratios (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for dichotomous outcomes. For continuous outcomes, we calculated mean differences on the log-transformed scale (LMD) with 95% CIs. We pooled data across studies using meta-analysis where possible.

MAIN RESULTS

We included 13 completed studies, of which 11 were RCTs assessing safety (2666 participants) and two were time-series studies. We judged eight RCTs to be at unclear risk of bias and three at high risk. All RCTs were funded by tobacco companies. Median length of follow-up was 13 weeks. No studies reported smoking cessation outcomes.  There was insufficient evidence for a difference in risk of adverse events between smokers randomised to switch to heated tobacco or continue smoking cigarettes, limited by imprecision and risk of bias (RR 1.03, 95% CI 0.92 to 1.15; I2 = 0%; 6 studies, 1713 participants). There was insufficient evidence to determine whether risk of serious adverse events differed between groups due to very serious imprecision and risk of bias (RR 0.79, 95% CI 0.33 to 1.94; I2 = 0%; 4 studies, 1472 participants). There was moderate-certainty evidence for lower NNAL and COHb at follow-up in heated tobacco than cigarette smoking groups, limited by risk of bias (NNAL: LMD -0.81, 95% CI -1.07 to -0.55; I2 = 92%; 10 studies, 1959 participants; COHb: LMD -0.74, 95% CI -0.92 to -0.52; I2 = 96%; 9 studies, 1807 participants). Evidence for additional biomarkers of exposure are reported in the main body of the review. There was insufficient evidence for a difference in risk of adverse events in smokers randomised to switch to heated tobacco or attempt abstinence from all tobacco, limited by risk of bias and imprecision (RR 1.12, 95% CI 0.86 to 1.46; I2 = 0%; 2 studies, 237 participants). Five studies reported that no serious adverse events occurred in either group (533 participants). There was moderate-certainty evidence, limited by risk of bias, that urine concentrations of NNAL at follow-up were higher in the heated tobacco use compared with abstinence group (LMD 0.50, 95% CI 0.34 to 0.66; I2 = 0%; 5 studies, 382 participants). In addition, there was very low-certainty evidence, limited by risk of bias, inconsistency, and imprecision, for higher COHb in the heated tobacco use compared with abstinence group for intention-to-treat analyses (LMD 0.69, 95% CI 0.07 to 1.31; 3 studies, 212 participants), but lower COHb in per-protocol analyses (LMD -0.32, 95% CI -1.04 to 0.39; 2 studies, 170 participants). Evidence concerning additional biomarkers is reported in the main body of the review. Data from two time-series studies showed that the rate of decline in cigarette sales accelerated following the introduction of heated tobacco to market in Japan. This evidence was of very low-certainty as there was risk of bias, including possible confounding, and cigarette sales are an indirect measure of smoking prevalence.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

No studies reported on cigarette smoking cessation, so the effectiveness of heated tobacco for this purpose remains uncertain. There was insufficient evidence for differences in risk of adverse or serious adverse events between people randomised to switch to heated tobacco, smoke cigarettes, or attempt tobacco abstinence in the short-term. There was moderate-certainty evidence that heated tobacco users have lower exposure to toxicants/carcinogens than cigarette smokers and very low- to moderate-certainty evidence of higher exposure than those attempting abstinence from  all tobacco. Independently funded research on the effectiveness and safety of HTPs is needed.  The rate of decline in cigarette sales accelerated after the introduction of heated tobacco to market in Japan but, as data were observational, it is possible other factors caused these changes. Moreover, falls in cigarette sales may not translate to declining smoking prevalence, and changes in Japan may not generalise elsewhere. To clarify the impact of rising heated tobacco use on smoking prevalence, there is a need for time-series studies that examine this association.

Nutriepigenomics and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: potential role of dietary and epigenetics factors in disease development and management

Over recent decades, a number of studies have revealed the possible role of different types of diets, as well as the nutritional elements they are made up of, in the pathogenesis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). To date, dietary factors have been identified to play a role in the prevention of COPD, with evidence from antioxidant nutrients, vitamins, and fiber intake. Additionally, certain dietary patterns such as the Mediterranean diet, together with other Western diets, provide evidence of the influence on COPD development, promoting lung health through nutritional approaches, and giving us an opportunity for intervention. The effect of diet on COPD is conveyed by 3 mechanisms: regulation of inflammation, oxidative stress, and carbon dioxide produced/oxygen intake. Current advances have begun to highlight the possible role of diet in modifying gene expression in certain individuals that predisposes them to COPD through epigenetic modifications. The relation between dietary intake and epigenetic factors has therefore outlined nutriepigenomics as a possible missing link in the relation between environmental exposure to smoke and the appearance of a subsequent chronic bronchial obstruction. This review summarizes the evidence regarding the influence of dietary patterns and nutrients and epigenetic regulatory mechanisms on COPD development and prevention with the aim of encouraging clinical research on the impact of dietary modifications on COPD-related clinical outcomes. This review highlights the importance of proposing and carrying out future studies focused on the modulating effects of certain nutrients on epigenetic changes in patients with specific COPD phenotypes (bronchiectasis, emphysema, asthma/COPD, chronic bronchitis), and their individual responses to cigarette smoking, environmental pollution, or other noxious particles. The objectives of these future studies must be directed to the development of novel therapeutic approaches and personalized management of COPD.

A randomized controlled study in healthy participants to explore the exposure continuum when smokers switch to a tobacco heating product or an E-cigarette relative to cessation

Background

Cigarette smoking is associated with a number of diseases, such as cancer and cardiovascular diseases. Recently, there has been an increase in the use of electronic cigarettes (ECs) and tobacco-heating products (THPs) as an alternative to cigarettes, which may reduce the health burden associated with smoking. However, an exposure continuum when smokers switch to ECs or THPs compared to complete smoking cessation is not well established.

Methods

148 healthy smokers were randomized to either continue smoking cigarettes, switch to using the glo THP or a prototype EC, or completely quit any nicotine or tobacco product use for 5 days, after a 2-day baseline period. During this study breath and 24-h urine samples were collected for Biomarker of Exposure (BoE) analysis.

Results

After a 5-day switching period BoE levels showed a substantial significant decrease in levels from baseline in the groups using the glo THP, the prototype EC, and having quit all nicotine and tobacco use. On an exposure continuum, smokers who completely quit nicotine had the lowest levels of assessed BoEs, followed by those who switched to the EC and then those who switched to glo THP use. Participants who continued to smoke had the highest levels of BoEs.

Conclusions

THP or EC use over a 5-day period resulted in significant reductions in exposure to smoke toxicants, in some cases to levels similar to those for nicotine cessation. These results show that on an exposure continuum, nicotine cessation gives the greatest reduction in exposure to tobacco smoke toxicants, closely followed by the EC and the glo THP. These significant reductions in exposure to toxicants suggest that the glo THP and EC have the potential to be Reduced Risk Products.

Study Registration

ISRCTN80651909.

Optimization of aqueous aerosol extract (AqE) generation from e-cigarettes and tobacco heating products for in vitro cytotoxicity testing

Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) and tobacco heating products (THPs) have reduced yields of toxicants and have recently emerged as a potentially safer alternative to combustible cigarettes. To understand if reduced toxicant exposure is associated with reductions in biological responses, there is a need for high-quality pre-clinical in vitro studies. Here, we investigated the cytotoxic response of human umbilical vein endothelial cells to conventional cigarette aqueous aerosol extracts (AqE) and highly concentrated AqEs from e-cigarettes (two generations of atomisers) and THPs (two variants). All AqE samples were generated by a standardized methodology and characterized for nicotine, propylene glycol and vegetable glycerol. The cigarette AqE caused a maximum 100 ± 0.00 % reduction in cell viability at 35 % dose (2.80 puffs) as opposed to 96.63 ± 2.73 % at 50 % (20 puffs) and 99.85 ± 0.23 % at 75 % (30 puffs) for the two THP variants (glo Bright Tobacco, glo Rich Tobacco), and 99.07 ± 1.61 % at the neat ePen2.0 e-cigarette (200 puffs). The AqE of the remaining e-cigarettes either resulted in an incomplete dose-response or did not elicit any response. The methods utilized were suitably sensitive to not only differentiate between cigarette, THP and e-cigarette aerosols but also to distinguish between products within each product category.

Changes in Biomarkers of Exposure on Switching From a Conventional Cigarette to Tobacco Heating Products: A Randomized, Controlled Study in Healthy Japanese Subjects

BACKGROUND

Smoking is a leading cause of numerous human disorders including pulmonary disease, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. Disease development is primarily caused by exposure to cigarette smoke constituents, many of which are known toxicants. Switching smokers to modified risk tobacco products (MRTPs) has been suggested as a potential means to reduce the risks of tobacco use, by reducing such exposure.

METHODS

This randomized, controlled study investigated whether biomarkers of toxicant exposure (BoE) were reduced when smokers switched from smoking combustible cigarettes to using a novel (glo™/THP1.0) or in-market comparator (iQOS/THS) tobacco heating product (THP). One hundred eighty Japanese smokers smoked combustible cigarettes during a 2-day baseline period, followed by randomization to either continue smoking cigarettes, switch to using mentholated or non-mentholated variants of glo™, switch to using a non-mentholated variant of iQOS, or quit nicotine and tobacco product use completely for 5 days. Baseline and post-randomization 24-h urine samples were collected for BoE analysis. Carbon monoxide was measured daily in exhaled breath (eCO).

RESULTS

On day 5 after switching, urinary BoE (excluding for nicotine) and eCO levels were significantly (p < .05) reduced by medians between 20.9% and 92.1% compared with baseline in all groups either using glo™ or iQOS or quitting tobacco use. Between-group comparisons revealed that the reductions in the glo™ groups were similar (p > .05) to quitting in many cases.

CONCLUSIONS

glo™ or iQOS use for 5 days reduced exposure to smoke toxicants in a manner comparable to quitting tobacco use. THPs are reduced exposure tobacco products with the potential to be MRTPs.

IMPLICATIONS

This clinical study demonstrates that when smokers switched from smoking combustible cigarettes to using tobacco heating products their exposure to smoke toxicants was significantly decreased. In many cases, this was to the same extent as that seen when they quit smoking completely. This may indicate that these products have the potential to be reduced exposure and/or reduced risk tobacco products when used by smokers whose cigarette consumption is displaced completely.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATIONS

ISRCTN14301360 and UMIN000024988.

Potential predictors of adoption of the Tobacco Heating System by U.S. adult smokers: An actual use study

Background: This was a pre-market, observational, actual use study with the Tobacco Heating System (THS), a candidate modified risk tobacco product. The main goal of the study was to describe THS adoption within current adult daily smokers by replicating the usage of THS in real-world conditions with participants being able to consume cigarettes, THS, and any other nicotine-containing products (e.g., e-cigarettes, cigars, etc.) ad libitum. Methods: This study assessed self-reported stick-by-stick consumption of THS compared with the use of commercial cigarettes over six weeks. The aim of the analysis was to identify potential predictors for adoption of THS using stepwise logistic regression analysis. Results: By the end of the observational period (in Week 6), 14.6% of participants (n=965) had adopted THS meaning that THS formed 70% or more of their total tobacco consumption. The main predictors of adoption were the liking of the smell, taste, aftertaste, and ease of use of THS. The proportion of adoption was higher in participants aged 44 years and older and in Hispanic or Latino adult smokers. Additionally, adoption of THS was more likely in participants who had never attempted to quit smoking and in participants who smoked up to 10 cigarettes per day. Finally, the adoption of THS was higher in participants who consumed both regular and menthol THS compared with those who consumed only one THS variant. Conclusions: The findings suggest that the introduction of THS in the U.S. has the potential to result in adoption by current adult smokers who would otherwise continue to smoke cigarettes, and that the adoption of THS is unlikely to result in an increase of tobacco consumption. Post-marketing studies will provide further insights on THS adoption and THS use patterns to allow assessment of the impact of the THS at the individual and the overall population level.

Potential predictors of adoption of the Tobacco Heating System by U.S. adult smokers: An actual use study

Background: This was a pre-market actual use study with the Tobacco Heating System (THS), a candidate modified risk tobacco product, conducted with adult smokers in eight cities in the United States. The main goal of the study was to describe THS adoption in a real-world setting. The aim of this analysis was to identify potential predictors for adoption of THS using stepwise logistic regression method. Methods: This actual use study was an observational study assessing self-reported stick-by-stick consumption of the THS product compared with the use of commercial cigarettes over six weeks. The study aimed at replicating the usage of THS in real-world conditions with participants being able to consume cigarettes, THS, and any other nicotine-containing products (e.g., e-cigarettes, cigars, etc.) ad libitum. Results: 14.6% of participants adopted THS, which comprised 70% or more of their total tobacco consumption by the end of the observational period (in Week 6). The main predictors of adoption were the liking of the smell, taste, aftertaste, and ease of use of THS. The proportion of adoption was higher in participants aged 44 years and older and in Hispanic or Latino adult smokers. Additionally, adoption of THS was more likely in participants who had never attempted to quit smoking and in participants who smoked up to 10 cigarettes per day. Finally, the adoption of THS was higher in participants who consumed both regular and menthol THS compared with those who consumed only one THS variant. Conclusions: The main predictors of THS adoption were positive sensory assessment and the ease of use. Socio-demographic characteristics and smoking habits appeared much less important. Post-marketing studies will provide further insights on the impact of the THS at the individual and the overall population level.

[Systematic analysis of the scientific literature on heated tobacco]

INTRODUCTION

The tobacco industry (TI) reports that heated tobacco reduces risk of tobacco use and will replace cigarettes. An analysis of the scientific literature was conducted in order to enlighten professionals and decision-makers.

METHOD

After a Medline query in February 2018, a systematic analysis was conducted.

RESULTS

Of the 100 papers published in 2008-2018, 75 have authors affiliated or linked to TI. Emissions contain gases, droplets and solid particles, so are smokes. The main products are: THS2.2 (Iqos®) which heats mini-cigarettes at 340°C, the THP1.0 (Glo®) which heats at 240°C sticks delivering about half as much nicotine, Ploom® which uses reconstituted tobacco microcapsules heated at 180°C. Under the experimental conditions, there is a reduction of toxic emissions and biological effects, but the expected risk reduction is not demonstrated. Symptoms related to passive smoking are described. The 4 epidemiological articles report that heated tobacco is used in 10 to 45% of cases by non-smokers and demonstrate the effectiveness of TI promotion campaigns. Thus, the THS2.2 is more a gateway to smoking (20%) than an exit door (11%); moreover, it is not expected risk reduction among the 69% who are mixed users.

CONCLUSIONS

While reducing emissions is documented, reducing the risk to the smoker who switches to heated-tobacco remains to be demonstrated. On the other hand, the worsening of the global tobacco risk related to the promotion of the products by the TI is anticipated, justifying that the authorities take the appropriate measures to control the promotion of heated tobacco.

Assessment of the exposure to harmful and potentially harmful constituents in healthy Japanese smokers using a novel tobacco vapor product compared with conventional cigarettes and smoking abstinence

The objectives of this clinical study were to demonstrate a reduction in exposure to selected harmful and potentially harmful constituents (HPHCs), and to assess product use behavior, in Japanese healthy adult smokers who switched to a novel tobacco vapor product (NTV). 60 smokers were randomly assigned for 5 days to either (a) a group who switched to an NTV (n = 20), (b) a group who continued to smoke their own brand of conventional cigarettes (CC, n = 20) or (c) a smoking abstinence group (SA, n = 20). Fifteen biomarkers of exposure (BoEs) to 14 HPHCs and pyrene were measured at baseline, day 3 and 5. Product use behavior was assessed by measuring product consumption, nicotine uptake and puffing topography. During investigations, increases were observed in product consumption and total puff volume in NTV group subjects as compared to baseline. Additionally, nicotine uptake in the NTV group was approximately half that observed in the CC group. BoE values were significantly reduced in the NTV group as compared to those in the CC group. Significantly, the magnitude of the reduction in exposure to HPHCs observed in the NTV group (49-94%) was close to that observed for the SA group (39-95%).

Next-generation tobacco and nicotine products

A framework for the assessment of novel next-generation tobacco and nicotine products with the potential to reduce health risks compared with cigarettes should integrate scientific studies incorporating nonclinical, clinical, and population studies approaches. These products should have lower emissions and exhibit reduced biological effects compared with those of cigarettes, ideally approaching those of smoking cessation. The products should also be acceptable cigarette alternatives for current smokers, while not appealing to nonsmokers or former smokers. Validating harm reduction and promoting regulatory acceptance of the assessment methods require a collaborative approach by industry, independent reviewers, the public health community, and regulatory agencies. This article summarizes the science and approaches applied and considered to substantiate tobacco harm reduction in the light of regulatory requirements, presented at the 53rd Congress of the European Societies of Toxicology, 2017.