Brain scans reveal why some smokers struggle to quit

NCT ID NCT03442413

Ongoing Knowledge-focused Sponsor: University of Pennsylvania Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 2 times

Summary

This study looks at how quickly the body breaks down nicotine and how that affects brain receptors in smokers. Thirteen adult smokers will have PET brain scans after different periods of not smoking, and will receive a tiny amount of nicotine during the scan. The goal is to understand why some people have a harder time quitting, which could lead to better ways to help them stop smoking.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: 2-[18F]-FA (a radioactive tracer) and intravenous nicotine
What this could lead to: If successful, this could help explain why some smokers find it harder to quit, potentially guiding personalized smoking cessation treatments.
What could go wrong: This is a very small, early-phase study with only 13 participants, so results may not apply to all smokers. It is designed to gather knowledge, not to test a treatment.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Tobacco Smoking

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

SMOKING, TOBACCO

Contacts and locations

Locations

University of Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19104, United States

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