Electronic nicotine delivery systems: a research agenda

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Toxicology
• Regulatory Science

Background:

• Electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) are increasingly used, with some smokers reporting their use for smoking cessation.
• Regulatory responses to ENDS vary widely globally, lacking a strong empirical basis.
• There is a significant gap in scientific research regarding ENDS safety, abuse liability, and cessation efficacy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify and prioritize research needs for electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS).
• To inform regulatory decisions, healthcare provider recommendations, and consumer choices regarding ENDS.
• To address the dearth of scientific evidence on ENDS.

Main Methods:

• The authors, with expertise spanning basic science to public health, propose research priorities.
• Recommendations include non-clinical, clinical, and public health studies.
• Focus on characterizing the safety profile, including long-term use.

Main Results:

• The primary research priority is to establish the safety profile of ENDS.
• Efficacy as smoking cessation aids should be tested only after safety is demonstrated.
• Current marketing of ENDS represents an uncontrolled experiment with user health as the primary outcome.

Conclusions:

• Characterizing ENDS safety is the foremost research priority.
• Rigorous trials are needed to assess ENDS efficacy for smoking cessation.
• Further research can guide regulation, potentially saving lives by ensuring product safety and efficacy.