A randomized, controlled, parallel group clinical study of cigarette smokers using an innovative oral tobacco-derived nicotine product to determine impact on cigarette consumption and biomarkers of exposure
Abstract Background: Despite the well-known health consequences of cigarettes, many adults still smoke. VERVE® Blue Mint Discs (Discs) are innovative, chewable, non-dissolvable oral tobacco-derived nicotine products designed for adult smokers (AS) interested in alternatives to cigarettes. We assessed impact of using Discs on product use behavior and biomarkers of exposure (BOE) in AS. Methods: In this randomized, two-arm, parallel group study, AS (n=154) not planning to quit in the next 30 days were randomized to either a Control Group (n=62) that continued smoking their own brand cigarettes or Test Group (n=92) with the option to use Discs for four weeks under ad libitum conditions. Changes from Baseline to End of Study (EOS) between the Groups were analyzed for CPD and BOEs to select harmful and potentially harmful constituents (HPHCs) – nicotine, NNK, benzene and carbon monoxide. Results: Most AS (78%) in the Test Group reduced their CPD (~20% on average, p<0.05), some (~9.4%) reducing by 50-99% and a few (~2.4%) switched completely to Discs. The changes in CPD was biochemically confirmed with significant reductions in COHb (p<0.05). Percent changes in BOEs for nicotine, NNK and benzene tended to be lower in participants using Discs compared to the Control Group indicating lower exposure to HPHCs. Conclusions: Overall, our results suggest that many AS reduced their cigarette consumption, and some switched completely to Discs. Switching completely from cigarettes to Discs, if sustained over time, may offer an opportunity for smoking-related harm reduction. (238 words)