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Nicotine & Tobacco Research Advance Access originally published online on September 30, 2009
Nicotine & Tobacco Research 2009 11(11):1274-1279; doi:10.1093/ntr/ntp147
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© The Author 2009. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Society for Research on Nicotine and Tobacco. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oxfordjournals.org

Reduced–nicotine content cigarettes: Is there potential to aid smoking cessation?

Natalie Walker, Chris Bullen and Hayden McRobbie

Natalie Walker, Ph.D., M.Sc., Clinical Trials Research Unit, University of Auckland, New Zealand
Chris Bullen, M.B.Ch.B., M.P.H., Clinical Trials Research Unit, University of Auckland, New Zealand
Hayden McRobbie, M.B.Ch.B., Ph.D., Barts & The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, UK

Corresponding Author: Dr. Natalie Walker, Ph.D., M.Sc., Clinical Trials Research Unit, School of Population Health, University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland 1072, New Zealand. Telephone: +64-9-373-7599 ext 89884; Fax: +64-9-373-1710; E-mail: n.walker{at}ctru.auckland.ac.nz


  Abstract

Introduction: Current smoking cessation treatments largely address pharmacological dependence on nicotine. New approaches are needed that address both nicotine dependence and psychological dependence on cigarettes as the source of nicotine. One such approach is the use of cigarettes with reduced nicotine content.

Methods: We reviewed the available literature on the use of reduced–nicotine content cigarettes as a cessation aid.

Results: One case series study and trial data indicate that reduction in the level of nicotine in cigarette tobacco can reduce the level of nicotine dependence in smokers and do so without adverse effects on cardiovascular biomarkers or significant compensatory smoking. We identified three clinical trials (total n = 489) that suggest that smokers can dissociate nicotine delivery from the act of smoking if they use reduced–nicotine content cigarettes in combination with nicotine replacement therapy.

Discussion: The identified studies point to a benefit but involved only a small number of participants and provide only limited data on long-term abstinence. More definitive evidence from larger trials with longer follow-up is needed to clarify the role of reduced nicotine cigarettes as an aid to smoking cessation.

Received: December 18, 2008; Accepted: August 6, 2009
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