NCT07564648 · Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center
Impact of Novel vs. Usual Brand Menthol Cigarettes on Abuse Liability
What this study is about
This randomly assigned, where neither patients nor doctors know which treatment is given, crossover human laboratory study compares the abuse liability of cigarettes containing menthol and non-menthol cigarette variants, using the participant's usual brand menthol cigarette as a within-subject reference.
View original scientific description
This randomized, double-blind, crossover human laboratory study compares the abuse liability of cigarettes containing menthol and non-menthol cigarette variants, using the participant's usual brand menthol cigarette as a within-subject reference. Participants complete standardized laboratory smoking sessions, behavioral economic tasks, and a naturalistic observational period. The study examines differences in nicotine delivery, smoking behavior, and subjective effects across cigarette types in laboratory and real-world contexts.
Interventions
BEHAVIORAL
Biospecimen Collection
Exhaled carbon monoxide breath testing and serial 3 mL blood samples collected via indwelling intravenous catheter at -5, +5, +15, +30, and +60 minutes relative to smoking initiation during each laboratory visit.
BEHAVIORAL
Questionnaire Administration
Self-report questionnaires administered at laboratory visits to assess the subjective effects of each cigarette (e.g., product appeal, sensory perception, satisfaction) using validated instruments such as the Modified Cigarette Evaluation Questionnaire.
BEHAVIORAL
Cigarette Purchase Task
A behavioral economic task administered after each laboratory smoking session. Participants indicate how many cigarettes they would purchase across varying price points to characterize demand for each study product.
BEHAVIORAL
Cross-Price Elasticity Task
A behavioral economic task administered after each Phase 2 smoking session. Participants choose between their usual brand menthol cigarette (price increasing) and the study product (fixed price), characterizing substitutability.
BEHAVIORAL
Daily Diary Surveys
Brief electronic surveys completed three times daily for one week during Phase 1 (usual brand cigarette use) and Phase 3 (preferred study cigarette use), capturing product use, craving, withdrawal, mood, and subjective effects in the natural environment.
BEHAVIORAL
Progressive Ratio Task
A concurrent choice task administered at the final laboratory visit.
Primary outcome measures
Plasma nicotine (Cmax)
Time frame: During Phase 1 and 2 smoking sessions, assessed up to 3 weeks
Nicotine delivery will be summarized by Cmax, the maximum nicotine concentration observed in the plasma samples for each participant.
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- Aged 21 years or older
- Currently smoke cigarettes daily (≥ 5 cigarettes/day) for at least the past 6 months, and their usual brand is menthol cigarettes
- Willing to provide informed consent
- Willing to abstain from all nicotine, tobacco, and smoked cannabis products for approximately 12 hours prior to each study visit
- Own and regularly use a functional smartphone compatible with study procedures (e.g., completing daily assessments)
- Willing to complete two weeks of daily assessments involving use of their usual brand menthol cigarettes and the study product
- Able to read, speak, and understand English
Exclusion criteria
- Current diagnosis of any significant lung diseases (e.g., asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cystic fibrosis)
- History of a cardiac event or episode of cardiac distress (e.g., heart attack, hospitalization for chest pain) within the past 3 months
- Currently pregnant, planning to become pregnant during the study period, or currently breastfeeding
- Self-reported use of any non-cigarette nicotine or tobacco product (e.g., e-cigarettes, cigars, oral nicotine products) or cannabis on more than 10 days in the past 30 days
- Self-reported current participation in a smoking cessation program or intention to quit smoking in the next 3 months
- Self-reported difficulty with blood draws
Where
- Columbus, Ohio
Collaborators
National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)
Related conditions & keywords
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Oct 14, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations