Nicotine E-cigarettes are More Effective than Traditional NRT

Industry Insight by 2FIRSTS.ai
Jan.09.2024
Nicotine E-cigarettes are More Effective than Traditional NRT
A new Cochrane review led by public health researcher Jamie Hartmann-Boyce shows that nicotine e-cigarettes are more effective than traditional NRT in helping people quit smoking.

According to a report published on January 8 by Medical Xpress, a team of researchers led by Jamie Hartmann-Boyce, from the University of Massachusetts Amherst's School of Public Health and Health Sciences, has found that nicotine e-cigarettes are more effective than traditional nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) in aiding smoking cessation, as shown in the latest Cochrane review.

 

A study published in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews suggests that e-cigarettes enable users to "vaporize" nicotine rather than inhaling it through combustion, making them more likely to aid in smoking cessation compared to traditional nicotine replacement therapies (NRT) such as patches, gum, and lozenges.

 

Hartmann-Boyes states, "In the UK, unlike anywhere else in the world, e-cigarettes are embraced by public health organizations as a tool to help reduce smoking-related harm." Prior to joining the University of Massachusetts Amherst, he conducted research at Oxford University in the UK.

 

Hartman-Bois points out that e-cigarettes do not burn tobacco, but instead heat up e-liquid containing nicotine and flavorings, allowing users to inhale nicotine-infused vapor rather than tobacco smoke. Compared to traditional tobacco, smokers are exposed to a complex mixture of chemicals known to cause diseases.

 

He stated, "We have very clear evidence to show that although e-cigarettes are not without risks, they are much less harmful compared to smoking." Some individuals who have previously attempted other smoking cessation methods without success have found that e-cigarettes help them quit smoking.

 

According to the analysis, the results show that for every 100 people who use nicotine e-cigarettes to quit smoking, it can be expected that 8 to 10 people will successfully quit. On the other hand, the success rate for using traditional nicotine replacement therapy is 6 out of 100 people. Meanwhile, the success rate for those who try to quit without any support or solely relying on behavioral support is 4 out of 100 people.

 

Despite the approval of seven proven smoking cessation drugs by the US FDA, e-cigarettes have not been included. Dr. Robert Califf, the agency's director, expressed that certain e-cigarettes may assist adults in completely transitioning away from or significantly reducing their use of more harmful combustible tobacco products. Public health standards need to balance potential benefits with the known risks of attractive and highly addictive products to adolescents.

 

We welcome news tips, article submissions, interview requests, or comments on this piece.

Please contact us at info@2firsts.com, or reach out to Alan Zhao, CEO of 2Firsts, on LinkedIn


Notice

1.  This article is intended solely for professional research purposes related to industry, technology, and policy. Any references to brands or products are made purely for objective description and do not constitute any form of endorsement, recommendation, or promotion by 2Firsts.

2.  The use of nicotine-containing products — including, but not limited to, cigarettes, e-cigarettes, nicotine pouchand heated tobacco products — carries significant health risks. Users are responsible for complying with all applicable laws and regulations in their respective jurisdictions.

3.  This article is not intended to serve as the basis for any investment decisions or financial advice. 2Firsts assumes no direct or indirect liability for any inaccuracies or errors in the content.

4.  Access to this article is strictly prohibited for individuals below the legal age in their jurisdiction.

 

Copyright

 

This article is either an original work created by 2Firsts or a reproduction from third-party sources with proper attribution. All copyrights and usage rights belong to 2Firsts or the original content provider. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or any other form of unauthorized use by any individual or organization is strictly prohibited. Violators will be held legally accountable.

For copyright-related inquiries, please contact: info@2firsts.com

 

AI Assistance Disclaimer

 

This article may have been enhanced using AI tools to improve translation and editorial efficiency. However, due to technical limitations, inaccuracies may occur. Readers are encouraged to refer to the cited sources for the most accurate information.

We welcome any corrections or feedback. Please contact us at: info@2firsts.com

UK Tobacco and Vapes Bill Receives Royal Assent, Banning Tobacco Sales to People Born After 2008
UK Tobacco and Vapes Bill Receives Royal Assent, Banning Tobacco Sales to People Born After 2008
The UK government announced on April 29 that the Tobacco and Vapes Bill had received Royal Assent and become law. Under the new law, it is illegal to sell tobacco to anyone born on or after Jan. 1, 2009. The government said the law creates the UK’s first “smoke-free generation” and includes measures to ban the advertising and sponsorship of vapes and nicotine products, as well as powers to restrict packaging, branding and displays designed to appeal to children.
Apr.30 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Japan Says Heated Tobacco and E-Cigarette Use Is a Key Factor Behind Rising In-Flight Smoking
Japan Says Heated Tobacco and E-Cigarette Use Is a Key Factor Behind Rising In-Flight Smoking
Japan’s transport ministry said on April 14 that major Japanese airlines reported 429 passenger smoking incidents on domestic and international flights in 2025, the highest level since comparable data collection began in 2004. The government said the spread of heated tobacco products and e-cigarettes was an important factor behind the increase. Japan plans to work with airlines to raise public awareness of fire risks on aircraft.
Apr.14 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Italy Formally Submits Detailed Opinion to EU Obstructing Ireland's Disposable Vape Ban
Italy Formally Submits Detailed Opinion to EU Obstructing Ireland's Disposable Vape Ban
Italy's Ministry of Enterprises and Made in Italy has submitted a detailed opinion against Ireland's proposed "Public Health (Single Use Vapes) Bill 2025." Italy argued that the comprehensive ban on disposable vapes lacks scientific evidence, violates the EU principle of the free movement of goods, and conflicts with the existing Tobacco Products Directive.
Apr.10 by 2FIRSTS.ai
PML Expands Its UK Smoke-Free Portfolio With LEVIA
PML Expands Its UK Smoke-Free Portfolio With LEVIA
Philip Morris Limited has launched LEVIA, a new range of zero-tobacco flavored nicotine sticks created for the IQOS ILUMA range. The product expands the company’s smoke-free portfolio in the UK and will initially be available in four variants, including Deep Mint and three capsule-based flavors. LEVIA has a recommended retail price of £5, or about $6.73, based on the European Central Bank’s April 28.
Apr.29 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Japan to Raise Heated Tobacco Prices From April; BAT Japan Keeps Prices Unchanged for 38 glo Tobacco Stick Products
Japan to Raise Heated Tobacco Prices From April; BAT Japan Keeps Prices Unchanged for 38 glo Tobacco Stick Products
Japan will implement price increases centered on heated tobacco products from April 1, 2026, following a tobacco tax hike. BAT Japan has decided to keep current prices unchanged for 38 glo-compatible tobacco stick products across the Velo, neo, Lucky Strike, and Kent lines.
Mar.30 by 2FIRSTS.ai
2Firsts Data|China Vape Exports Sink to Three-Year April Low After Tax Rebate Ends, Falling to $694 Million
2Firsts Data|China Vape Exports Sink to Three-Year April Low After Tax Rebate Ends, Falling to $694 Million
China’s e-cigarette export value declined to $694 million in April 2026, marking the lowest April level in the past three years. The data is notable because April was the first full month after China removed export VAT rebates for certain e-cigarette products. Compared with April 2025, export value fell 20.9%; compared with April 2024, it was down 22.3%. Month-on-month, exports dropped 23.2% from March 2026.
Special Report
May.23