NCT06249984 · Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center
Effects of Tobacco Cut and Nicotine Form on the Abuse Liability of Moist Snuff
What this study is about
This clinical trial tests the effects of tobacco cut and nicotine form on the abuse liability in participants who use moist snuff (smokeless tobacco \[SLT\]).
View original scientific description
This clinical trial tests the effects of tobacco cut and nicotine form on the abuse liability in participants who use moist snuff (smokeless tobacco \[SLT\]). Two features of moist snuff that are key targets of manipulation from the tobacco industry and drivers of its addiction potential are length of tobacco cut (long versus fine) and nicotine form (low versus high levels of nicotine in the free-base form). Finer tobacco cuts and higher levels of free-base nicotine (FBN) result in faster, greater nicotine delivery. Researchers want to gain information on how certain characteristics of moist snuff affect how long people use it, how it delivers nicotine, or how much people like it. This clinical trial may provide justifications for local, state, or federal regulations aimed at reducing the appeal and addictiveness of moist snuff.
Interventions
PROCEDURE
Biospecimen Collection
Undergo blood sample collection
PROCEDURE
Carbon Monoxide Measurement
Undergo CO test
BEHAVIORAL
Smokeless Tobacco Use
Use moist snuff
OTHER
Survey Administration
Ancillary studies
Primary outcome measures
Frequencies of flavors used by participants
Time frame: Up to 2 years
Will be assessed in adolescent and adult participants (expected N=198). Will be evaluated using descriptive statistics
Associations between tobacco cut (fine, long, and pouches) and level of smokeless tobacco (SLT) dependence
Time frame: Up to 2 years
Will use chi-square tests to estimate associations between tobacco cut (fine, long, and pouches) and level of SLT dependence. If the expected cell size for more than 20% of cells is \< 5, Fisher's exact test will be used.
Associations between level of dependence and total nicotine in moist snuff
Time frame: Up to 2 years
Descriptive statistics will be calculated and variables will be inspected for out-of-range values. The investigators will merge product characteristics into our cohort study data (e.g., characteristics of Grizzly long cut wintergreen moist snuff will be merged to participants who reported using that style). Next, the investigators will use linear regression to estimate the associations between level of dependence and total nicotine.
Associations between level of dependence and pH in moist snuff
Time frame: Up to 2 years
Descriptive statistics will be calculated and variables will be inspected for out-of-range values. The investigators will merge product characteristics into our cohort study data (e.g., characteristics of Grizzly long cut wintergreen moist snuff will be merged to participants who reported using that style). Next, the investigators will use linear regression to estimate the associations between level of dependence and pH.
Associations between level of dependence and free-base nicotine (FBN) in moist snuff
Time frame: Up to 2 years
Descriptive statistics will be calculated and variables will be inspected for out-of-range values. The investigators will merge product characteristics into our cohort study data (e.g., characteristics of Grizzly long cut wintergreen moist snuff will be merged to participants who reported using that style). Next, the investigators will use linear regression to estimate the associations between level of dependence and FBN in moist snuff.
Moist snuff tobacco cut on product use
Time frame: Up to 2 years
Will be assessed by a randomized 2x2 within-subjects design to test whether variations in cut and level of FBN are associated with product use among Appalachian moist snuff users. Data will be summarized descriptively, overall and stratified by dependence. The investigators will use linear mixed effects models to assess the main effects of cut on moist snuff use duration and amount, self-reported measures, and plasma nicotine delivery (i.e., maximum absorption; total absorption; and speed of absorption). Product interaction terms will be used to evaluate whether effects of moist snuff style on outcome variables are modified by level of SLT dependence.
Moist snuff tobacco FBN content on product use
Time frame: Up to 2 years
Will be assessed by a randomized 2x2 within-subjects design to test whether variations in cut and level of FBN are associated with product use among Appalachian moist snuff users. Data will be summarized descriptively, overall and stratified by dependence. The investigators will use linear mixed effects models to assess the main effects of FBN content on moist snuff use duration and amount, self-reported measures, and plasma nicotine delivery (i.e., maximum absorption; total absorption; and speed of absorption). Product interaction terms will be used to evaluate whether effects of moist snuff style on outcome variables are modified by level of SLT dependence.
Moist snuff tobacco cut on product effects
Time frame: Up to 2 years
Will be assessed by a randomized 2x2 within-subjects design to test whether variations in cut and level of FBN are associated with subjective effects among Appalachian moist snuff users. Data will be summarized descriptively, overall and stratified by dependence. The investigators will use linear mixed effects models to assess the main effects of cut on moist snuff use duration and amount, self-reported measures, and plasma nicotine delivery (i.e., maximum absorption; total absorption; and speed of absorption). Product interaction terms will be used to evaluate whether effects of moist snuff style on outcome variables are modified by level of SLT dependence.
Moist snuff tobacco FBN content on product effects
Time frame: Up to 2 years
Will be assessed by a randomized 2x2 within-subjects design to test whether variations in cut and level of FBN are associated with subjective effects among Appalachian moist snuff users. Data will be summarized descriptively, overall and stratified by dependence. The investigators will use linear mixed effects models to assess the main effects of FBN content on moist snuff use duration and amount, self-reported measures, and plasma nicotine delivery (i.e., maximum absorption; total absorption; and speed of absorption). Product interaction terms will be used to evaluate whether effects of moist snuff style on outcome variables are modified by level of SLT dependence.
Moist snuff tobacco cut on product appeal
Time frame: Up to 2 years
Will be assessed by a randomized 2x2 within-subjects design to test whether variations in cut and level of FBN are associated with product use, nicotine delivery, and subjective effects among Appalachian moist snuff users. Data will be summarized descriptively, overall and stratified by dependence. The investigators will use linear mixed effects models to assess the main effects of cut on moist snuff use duration and amount, self-reported measures, and plasma nicotine delivery (i.e., maximum absorption; total absorption; and speed of absorption). Product interaction terms will be used to evaluate whether effects of moist snuff style on outcome variables are modified by level of SLT dependence.
Moist snuff tobacco FBN content on product appeal
Time frame: Up to 2 years
Will be assessed by a randomized 2x2 within-subjects design to test whether variations in cut and level of FBN are associated with product use, nicotine delivery, and subjective effects among Appalachian moist snuff users. Data will be summarized descriptively, overall and stratified by dependence. The investigators will use linear mixed effects models to assess the main effects of FBN content on moist snuff use duration and amount, self-reported measures, and plasma nicotine delivery (i.e., maximum absorption; total absorption; and speed of absorption). Product interaction terms will be used to evaluate whether effects of moist snuff style on outcome variables are modified by level of SLT dependence.
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
- AIM 1 (Adults Tobacco User Adult Cohort \[TUAC\]): Exclusive adult smokers who smoked \>100 cigarettes or other combustible tobacco products in their lifetime and reported being current, every day, or some days/week smokers at time of enrollment
- AIM 1 (TUAC): Exclusive SLT user reporting every day or some days use per week at time of enrollment
- AIM 1 (TUAC): Or dual users who met criteria for both aims at time of enrollment who resided in participating Appalachian and urban counties
- AIM 1 (Buckeye Teen Health Study \[BTHS\]): Male youth ages 12-15 in Appalachian and urban regions of Ohio with parental consent and participant assent given
- AIM 2: As derived from Aim 1, commercially available SLT products used by TUAC and BTHS participants will be purchased from retailers in nearby Appalachian counties, as composition of SLT products can vary regionally
- AIM 3: Adults aged 21 and older who reside in Appalachian counties and surrounding rural areas under the RUCA code 10 classification and use SLT daily for at least 3 months and using 1.5 cans/week will be considered for this project
- Established moist snuff user (has used moist snuff daily for at least the past 3 months, uses at least 1.5 cans/week.
- Age 21 years or older
- Reside in Appalachian counties and surrounding rural areas under the RUCA code 10 classification
- Willing to complete 5 study visits and provide informed consent study procedures, including abstaining from all tobacco, nicotine, and marijuana for 12 hours before clinic visits
- Willing to abstain from nicotine and tobacco products 12-hours before study visit
- Ability to read and speak English
Exclusion criteria
- Pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding (will be verified with a urine pregnancy test at the first session visit)
- Unstable or significant psychiatric conditions (past and stable conditions will be allowed)
- History of cardiac event or distress, including but not limited to uncontrolled high blood pressure, chest pain, and shortness of breath, within the past 3 months
- Working with a cessation counselor, using cessation devices such as Chantix or Wellbutrin, or planning to quit within the next 3 months
- Severe periodontal or oral lesions
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 Dec 22, 2025 · Source of record for eligibility and locations