Synthetic vs. natural nicotine: which hits harder?
NCT ID NCT05962229
First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study looks at how the body handles synthetic nicotine compared to natural nicotine from tobacco. Eighteen experienced e-cigarette users will vape three different nicotine blends in a controlled setting. Researchers will measure nicotine levels in the blood, heart effects, cravings, and how much people vape. The goal is to see if synthetic nicotine acts differently, which could matter for regulation and product safety.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- synthetic nicotine (R-nicotine and S-nicotine) in e-liquid
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this could help regulators understand whether synthetic nicotine behaves differently from natural nicotine, potentially informing future policies on e-cigarette ingredients.
- What could go wrong
- This is a very small, early-phase study with only 18 participants, so results may not apply to the general population. It measures short-term effects only, not long-term health outcomes.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
-
Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital (ZSFG)
RECRUITINGSan Francisco, California, 94110, United States
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