Menthol-Flavored Tobacco Accessories for Smoking
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial explores smokers' responses to mentholated cigarette accessories such as crush balls, filter tips, and aroma cards. The researchers compare these accessories to regular menthol cigarettes in terms of enjoyment, strength, and ease of use. Participants will also indicate their likelihood of purchasing these products in the future. The trial suits current menthol cigarette smokers who smoke at least 10 cigarettes a day and do not plan to quit soon. As an unphased trial, it offers smokers a unique opportunity to influence future product development and availability.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial does not specify if you need to stop taking your current medications, but you cannot participate if you've used smoking cessation medications in the past 30 days.
What prior data suggests that these menthol-flavored tobacco accessories are safe for use?
Research has shown that menthol-flavored tobacco products, including those with crush balls and aroma cards, can be as risky as regular tobacco products. These menthol products might even pose greater harm. Studies suggest that these menthol accessories could make quitting smoking more difficult, negatively impacting public health.
The safety of these menthol accessories is still under investigation, but they contain many of the same harmful chemicals as regular tobacco. These chemicals can lead to serious health issues, such as cancer and heart disease. While menthol might alter how smoke is inhaled, no evidence suggests it makes smoking safer.
In summary, using menthol accessories with cigarettes does not reduce the health risks of smoking. Participants considering this trial should be aware of these potential risks.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Unlike traditional methods that focus on quitting smoking entirely, such as nicotine patches or gum, this trial explores an innovative approach by allowing menthol cigarette smokers to sample non-menthol cigarettes enhanced with menthol-flavored accessories. Researchers are excited about this method because it offers a unique strategy to reduce menthol cigarette consumption without requiring an immediate switch to non-smoking options. By using accessories like crush balls and aroma cards, smokers might find a more appealing and gradual transition away from their usual menthol cigarettes, potentially leading to reduced smoking rates.
What evidence suggests that mentholated cigarette sampling is effective for assessing product demand and likelihood of future use?
Research has shown that menthol cigarettes are more likely to lead people to start smoking and make quitting more difficult. In this trial, menthol cigarette smokers will sample non-menthol cigarettes mentholated using menthol-flavored accessories, such as crush balls and filter tips, and compare them to their usual menthol brands. Studies have found that these menthol-flavored items can change how people view and purchase cigarettes. Menthol-flavored products are popular among tobacco users, especially in certain groups. This suggests that menthol accessories might make non-menthol cigarettes more appealing to those who prefer menthol.26789
Who Is on the Research Team?
Roberta Freitas-Lemos, Ph.D.
Principal Investigator
Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for menthol cigarette smokers who are at least 21 years old, smoke more than 10 cigarettes a day, and rarely use other tobacco products. Participants must be able to give informed consent and provide a breath sample showing significant smoking (CO ≥ 8 ppm).Inclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Consent and Assessments
Participants undergo consent procedures and initial assessments including breath and urine samples, and complete surveys on smoking habits and nicotine dependence.
Sampling and Subjective Ratings Assessments
Participants sample different cigarette types and provide subjective ratings. They undergo five sampling trials with washout periods between each.
ETM and Hypothetical Purchasing Trials
Participants complete purchasing trials in a virtual marketplace to assess demand and purchasing behavior under different conditions.
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for any changes in smoking behavior and product use after the trial.
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Mentholated cigarette sampling
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Lead Sponsor