Smart Olfaction App for Smoking Addiction

(SOARR Trial)

Overseen By Lorra Garey, Ph.D.

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Phase < 1

Sponsor: University of Houston

Disqualifiers: Olfactory dysfunction, Allergies, Pregnancy, Hypertension, Heart attack, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 17

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial tests a new method to help people quit smoking by combining a smartphone app with a scent-based system to reduce cigarette cravings. Participants will use either the Smart Olfaction App alone or the app with the scent system to determine which is more effective. It suits individuals who smoke at least five cigarettes a day, are motivated to quit, and own an Apple or Android smartphone. As an Early Phase 1 trial, this research aims to understand how the treatment works in people, offering participants the opportunity to be among the first to try this innovative approach.

Do I have to stop taking my current medications for the trial?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It's best to discuss this with the trial coordinators or your doctor.

What prior data suggests that this olfactory stimulation delivery system is safe for smoking cessation?

Research has shown that smoking cessation apps, like the Smart-T app, can help people quit smoking. In studies, users of Smart-T were almost twice as likely to quit compared to those using another app called QuitGuide. This suggests that Smart-T effectively aids users in stopping smoking.

Regarding safety, this trial is in its earliest phase, meaning the app is just beginning safety testing in people. Although specific safety data for the Smart Olfaction App is not yet available, smoking cessation apps generally are safe to use. They do not involve medication, so they tend to have fewer side effects.

In summary, while specific safety data for the Smart Olfaction App is not yet available, similar apps have been safe for users and effective in helping people quit smoking. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about the Smart Olfaction App for smoking addiction because it offers a novel approach to tackling nicotine dependence. Unlike traditional methods such as nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) or medications like varenicline, this app uses smell to influence cravings and smoking behavior. The app's unique mechanism involves olfactory stimulation, which could potentially alter smoking habits by using specific scents to reduce the urge to smoke. Another exciting aspect is its integration with the Inspire device, further enhancing its effectiveness by combining digital health with sensory cues. This innovative approach could pave the way for more personalized and effective smoking cessation strategies.

What evidence suggests that this trial's treatments could be effective for smoking addiction?

Research has shown that smartphone apps can help people quit smoking. One study found that the Smart-T app, which participants in this trial may use, worked better for adults with lower income levels compared to another popular app. A review of several studies demonstrated that mobile apps can help more smokers quit. Although the Stop-tabac app did not increase quitting rates, it encouraged more people to use nicotine medications. These findings suggest that using a smartphone app like Smart-T, along with scent-based methods, could reduce cigarette cravings and support efforts to quit smoking. Participants in this trial may also use the Inspire device in different phases to further aid smoking cessation. ^{1 4 6 7 8}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Lorra Garey, Ph.D.

Principal Investigator

University of Houston

Michael Businelle, Ph.D.

Principal Investigator

University of Oklahoma Health Sciences

Michael Sayette, Ph.D.

Principal Investigator

University of Pittsburgh

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for individuals trying to quit smoking and are comfortable using smartphone apps. Participants should be willing to use the Smart-T Smoking Cessation App and may also be asked to use a device called Inspire that delivers olfactory stimulation. People who don't want to engage with technology or have conditions that interfere with app/device usage cannot join.

Inclusion Criteria

Currently smoke at least 5 cigarettes daily for one year or longer

Willing and able to complete study procedures

Motivated to quit smoking

Exclusion Criteria

Being pregnant by self-report

Have a smartphone that is not compatible with the Insight mHealth platform

Not being fluent in English

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

1-2 weeks

Initial online pre-screener and enrollment call

Phase I: Treatment

Participants engage in a self-guided quit attempt using the OSDS for 14 days with crossover randomization design

2 weeks

5 daily EMAs, baseline survey, randomization call, qualitative interview over Zoom

Phase II: Treatment

Participants are randomized to Smart-T with or without OSDS and use a nicotine patch for smoking cessation

13 weeks

Daily EMAs, baseline assessment, follow-up assessment at 12 weeks post-quit

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for smoking abstinence and device acceptability

12 weeks

Follow-up assessment via app, qualitative interview over Zoom

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Smart Olfaction App

Trial Overview The study tests if combining an app (Smart-T) designed for quitting smoking with a scent-delivering device (Inspire) helps people stop smoking better than just the app alone. Some will use nicotine replacement therapy as well. It's a pilot randomized controlled trial, meaning participants are randomly assigned to different groups.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Phase II: Smart-T app + NRT + Inspire Experimental Treatment 3 Interventions

Group II: Phase I: Instructed Use followed by Ad Libitum Use of the Inspire Device Experimental Treatment 3 Interventions

Group III: Phase I: Ad Libitum followed by Instructed Use of the Inspire Device Experimental Treatment 3 Interventions

Group IV: Phase II: Smart-T + NRT Active Control 2 Interventions

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of Houston

Lead Sponsor

Trials

155

Recruited

48,600+

University of Pittsburgh

Collaborator

Trials

1,820

Recruited

16,360,000+

University of Oklahoma

Collaborator

Trials

484

Recruited

95,900+

Brown University

Collaborator

Trials

480

Recruited

724,000+

Citations

1. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9298872/

The Stop‐tabac smartphone application for smoking ... The Stop‐tabac smoking cessation app did not increase smoking cessation rates, but increased rates of use of nicotine medications.

2. tobaccopreventioncessation.com tobaccopreventioncessation.com/Effectiveness-of-Mobile-Apps-for-Smoking-Cessation-Review,70088,0,2.html

Effectiveness of Mobile Apps for Smoking Cessation The review of eight selected studies illustrate the use of smartphone applications in increasing quit rates among smokers.

3. pulmonologyadvisor.com pulmonologyadvisor.com/news/smoking-cessation-apps-smart-t-vs-nci-quitguide/

Quit Rate Higher With Smart-T vs NCI QuitGuide The Smart-T app may more effectively support smoking cessation in adults with lower socioeconomic status than the NCI QuitGuide app.

4. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0306460325001157

Exploring relationships among smoking cessation app use, ... Exploring relationships among smoking cessation app use, smoking behavioral outcomes, and pharmacotherapy utilization among individuals who smoke cigarettes.

5. withpower.com withpower.com/trial/early-phase-1-nicotine-dependence-8-2025-0f9c3

Smart Olfaction App for Smoking Addiction (SOARR Trial) This trial is for individuals trying to quit smoking and are comfortable using smartphone apps. Participants should be willing to use the Smart-T Smoking ...

6. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7268412/

The Stop-Tabac smartphone application for smoking ... The objectives of this study are to assess whether the Stop-Tabac application (app) is effective for smoking cessation and to examine whether the outcome is ...

7. ou.edu ou.edu/news/articles/2025/august/ou-smoking-cessation-app-performs-well-clinical-trial.html

University of Oklahoma's Smoking Cessation App Performs ... After six months of using the apps, those who used Smart-T were nearly twice as likely to have quit smoking than those who used the QuitGuide ...

8. mdpi.com mdpi.com/2624-8611/5/4/72

Smartphone App-Based Interventions to Support Smoking ... Smartphone apps have emerged as cost-effective tools to aid smokers in quitting; however, their evidence-based foundation remains understudied.