NCT05932745 · Yale University
Effects of Novel E-cigarette Constituents on Adults TCORS 3.0
What this study is about
This study is an examination of the influence of cooling components of WS-3, WS-23, and menthol on the appeal and addiction potential of nicotine-containing e-liquids among adults.
View original scientific description
This study is an examination of the influence of cooling components of WS-3, WS-23, and menthol on the appeal and addiction potential of nicotine-containing e-liquids among adults.
Interventions
OTHER
E-liquid coolant (No WS-3) for non-menthol (1)
Adult users of e-cigarette will be exposed to distinct e-liquid coolants without WS-3.
OTHER
E-liquid coolant (No WS-3) for low (0.1%) menthol (1)
Adult users of e-cigarette will be exposed to distinct e-liquid coolants without WS-3.
OTHER
E-liquid coolant (No WS-3) for high (2.0%) menthol (1)
Adult users of e-cigarette will be exposed to distinct e-liquid coolants without WS-3.
OTHER
E-liquid coolant (Low [0.1%] WS-3) for non-menthol (2)
Adult users of e-cigarette will be exposed to distinct e-liquid coolants with low WS-3 concentration.
OTHER
E-liquid coolant (Low [0.1%] WS-3) for low (0.1%) menthol (2)
Adult users of e-cigarette will be exposed to distinct e-liquid coolants with low WS-3 concentration.
OTHER
E-liquid coolant (Low [0.1%] WS-3) for high (2.0%) menthol (2)
Adult users of e-cigarette will be exposed to distinct e-liquid coolants with low WS-3 concentration.
OTHER
E-liquid coolant (High [2.0%] WS-3) for non-menthol (3)
Adult users of e-cigarette will be exposed to distinct e-liquid coolants with high WS-3 concentration.
OTHER
E-liquid coolant (High [2.0%] WS-3) for low (0.1%) menthol (3)
Adult users of e-cigarette will be exposed to distinct e-liquid coolants with high WS-3 concentration.
OTHER
E-liquid coolant (High [2.0%] WS-3) for high (2.0%) menthol (3)
Adult users of e-cigarette will be exposed to distinct e-liquid coolants with high WS-3 concentration.
OTHER
E-liquid coolant (Low [0.1%] WS-23) for non-menthol (4)
Adult users of e-cigarette will be exposed to distinct e-liquid coolants with low WS-23 concentration.
OTHER
E-liquid coolant (Low [0.1%] WS-23) for low (0.1%) menthol (4)
Adult users of e-cigarette will be exposed to distinct e-liquid coolants with low WS-23 concentration.
OTHER
E-liquid coolant (Low [0.1%] WS-23) for high (2.0%) menthol (4)
Adult users of e-cigarette will be exposed to distinct e-liquid coolants with low WS-23 concentration.
OTHER
E-liquid coolant (High [2.0%] WS-23) for non-menthol (5)
Adult users of e-cigarette will be exposed to distinct e-liquid coolants with high WS-23 concentration.
OTHER
E-liquid coolant (High [2.0%] WS-23) for low (0.1%) menthol (5)
Adult users of e-cigarette will be exposed to distinct e-liquid coolants with high WS-23 concentration.
OTHER
E-liquid coolant (High [2.0%] WS-23) for high (2.0%) menthol (5)
Adult users of e-cigarette will be exposed to distinct e-liquid coolants with high WS-23 concentration.
OTHER
E-liquid coolant (4% WS-23) for non-menthol (6)
Adult users of e-cigarette will be exposed to distinct e-liquid coolants with 4% WS-23 concentration.
OTHER
E-liquid coolant (4% WS-23) for low (0.1%) menthol (6)
Adult users of e-cigarette will be exposed to distinct e-liquid coolants with 4% WS-23 concentration.
OTHER
E-liquid coolant (4% WS-23) for high (2.0%) menthol (6)
Adult users of e-cigarette will be exposed to distinct e-liquid coolants with 4% WS-23 concentration.
Primary outcome measures
Liking: Score change in liking/wanting of each e-cigarette condition (5 conditions in total)
Time frame: Following administration of e-cigarette condition 1 (at 10 minutes), following administration of e-cigarette condition 2 (at 40 minutes)...following administration of e-cigarette condition 6 (at 160 minutes)
The Labeled Hedonic Scale will be used to ask about liking and wanting of the e-cigarette (one item Visual Analog Scale with ratings ranging from "most disliked sensation imaginable" to "most liked sensation imaginable" with higher values indicating greater liking).
Reinforcing Efficacy: Score change in drug effects of each e-cigarette condition (5 conditions in total)
Time frame: Following administration of e-cigarette condition 1 (at 10 minutes), following administration of e-cigarette condition 2 (at 40 minutes)...following administration of e-cigarette condition 6 (at 160 minutes)
Difference between e-cigarette effects for each e-cigarette condition as measured by the computerized version of the Drug Effects Questionnaire (DEQ). Participants will self-report their responses using a computer mouse to indicate where on the scale response falls. A modified version of the Drug Effects Questionnaire (DEQ) will be used in which participants rate acute responses to the e-cigarette on a 0-100mm scale from "not at all" (0mm) to "extremely" (100mm).
Irritation/Harshness: Score change in irritation of harshness of each e-cigarette condition (5 conditions in total)
Time frame: Following administration of e-cigarette condition 1 (at 10 minutes), following administration of e-cigarette condition 2 (at 40 minutes)...following administration of e-cigarette condition 6 (at 160 minutes)
Difference in irritation at each e-cigarette condition as measured by the computerized Generalized Labeled Magnitude Scale (gLMS). Participants will self-report their responses using a computer mouse to indicate where on the scale response falls. The Generalized Labeled Magnitude Scales (gLMS) are category ratio scales with seven semantic labels: "no sensation", "barely detectable", "weak", "moderate", "strong", "very strong", and "strongest imaginable", positioned quasi-logarithmically as per empirically determined semantic magnitudes on a 0-100 scale (strongest imaginable at the 100 end).
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
- 18 years or older
- Able to read and write
- Some current e-cigarette use
- Urine cotinine ≥200ng/ml
- Willing to abstain from tobacco/nicotine use 2 hours prior to sessions
Exclusion criteria
- Current use of non-prescription substances besides nicotine, marijuana, alcohol
- Any significant current medical or psychiatric condition
- Known hypersensitivity to propylene glycol
- Pregnant or lactating females
- Uncontrolled asthma
- Nut/e-liquid flavorant allergy
- Current marijuana (tetrahydrocannabinol) vaping + E-cigarette or vaping use Associated Lung Injury (EVALI) symptoms
- Dislike of menthol flavor
Where
- New Haven, Connecticut
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 Jun 16, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations