New hope for veterans who smoke: a drug to help cut down without quitting first

NCT ID NCT06966362

Not yet recruiting Disease control Sponsor: VA Office of Research and Development Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jul 31, 2026 · Updated 3 times

Summary

This study tests whether the drug varenicline (Chantix) can help veterans who smoke at least 5 cigarettes a day but aren't ready to quit. Participants will either take varenicline or use nicotine lozenges to reduce smoking over 12 weeks. The goal is to see if this approach leads to more quit attempts and long-term abstinence. The trial will involve 400 veterans across the U.S.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: Varenicline (Chantix) and nicotine mini-lozenge
What this could lead to: If successful, this could provide an effective way to help veterans who are not ready to quit smoking reduce their smoking and eventually quit, lowering their risk of smoking-related diseases.
What could go wrong: This is a phase 4 trial, so the drug is already approved, but it's testing a new use in a specific group. The results may not apply to all smokers, and side effects like nausea or sleep problems are possible.

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.

Cigarette Smoking nicotine dependence Smoking Reduction

As listed by the trial registrant

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

CIGARETTE SMOKING TOBACCO DEPENDENCE TOBACCO USE DISORDER VETERANS

Contacts and locations

Locations

Durham VA Medical Center, Durham, NC

Durham, North Carolina, 27705-3875, United States
Minneapolis VA Health Care System, Minneapolis, MN

Minneapolis, Minnesota, 55417-2309, United States
VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA

San Diego, California, 92161-0002, United States
William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital, Madison, WI

Madison, Wisconsin, 53705-2254, United States

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