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

NCT ID NCT06966362

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

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.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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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.

Contacts and locations

Study contacts

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

Locations

  • Durham VA Medical Center, Durham, NC

    Durham, North Carolina, 27705-3875, United States

    Contact Email: •••••@•••••

  • Minneapolis VA Health Care System, Minneapolis, MN

    Minneapolis, Minnesota, 55417-2309, United States

    Contact Email: •••••@•••••

  • VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA

    San Diego, California, 92161-0002, United States

    Contact Email: •••••@•••••

  • William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital, Madison, WI

    Madison, Wisconsin, 53705-2254, United States

    Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

    Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

    Contact