Can Ultra-Low nicotine smokes help break the habit for those in pain?

NCT ID NCT06747871

Recruiting now Disease control Sponsor: Duke University Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study is testing whether switching to very low nicotine cigarettes can reduce cravings, withdrawal, and pain in people who smoke daily, have chronic pain, and are on buprenorphine for opioid use disorder. Sixty participants will be randomly assigned to either very low nicotine or normal nicotine cigarettes for several weeks. Researchers will measure changes in smoking behavior, pain levels, and withdrawal symptoms to see if this approach could support quitting.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: Very low nicotine cigarettes (VLNC) vs. normal nicotine cigarettes (NNC)
What this could lead to: If it works, this could point toward a safer way to help people with chronic pain and opioid use disorder reduce or quit smoking.
What could go wrong: This is a small, early-phase study (60 people) that only looks at short-term effects. It may not lead to a proven cessation method, and switching to very low nicotine cigarettes might not reduce cravings or pain.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Chronic Pain chronic pain syndrome nicotine dependence opiate dependence Tobacco Use

As listed by the trial registrant

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

CHRONIC PAIN OPIOID SUBSTITUTION TREATMENT TOBACCO USE

Contacts and locations

Locations

North Pavilion
RECRUITING

Durham, North Carolina, 27705, United States

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