Study: Targeted Approach for Harm Reduction Using E-Cigarettes

Sep.19.2022
Study: Targeted Approach for Harm Reduction Using E-Cigarettes
A study emphasizes the need for e-cigarettes as a harm reduction tool and explores its potential to aid in smoking cessation.

A study published in the Journal of American Drug and Alcohol Abuse reaffirmed the necessity of using electronic cigarettes (EC) as a tool to reduce harm.


The title of this paper is "A Targeted Approach Using E-cigarettes to Reduce Adult Harm", which emphasizes the negative perception of e-cigarettes and the inaccurate belief that they are as harmful as or more harmful than combustible cigarettes, representing a missed opportunity in public health.


This paper outlines the necessity of this view and openly explores the potential use of electronic cigarettes (EC) as a way of reducing harm for smokers who find it difficult to quit. Recent reviews of randomized controlled trials and network meta-analyses on using electronic cigarettes to quit smoking have found that smokers who were given nicotine electronic cigarettes were more likely to stay smoke-free compared to those given permission to use nicotine replacement therapy (NRT).


EC and NRT. (Note: This is already in English and does not require translation.)


The study titled "Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials and Network Meta-analysis Comparing E-Cigarettes to Approved Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) and Non-Nicotine Based Smoking Cessation" examines the effectiveness of nicotine-based e-cigarettes compared to NRT and non-nicotine based methods for quitting smoking. The research analyzes controlled conditions to determine which method is most effective.


Researchers conducted a search in PubMed, Web of Science, and PsycINFO for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that allocated individuals to use nicotine electronic cigarettes compared to those using licensed nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) such as nicotine patches or gum, or placebo. The study only included research involving healthy smoking participants.


A research team has sifted through thousands of studies and found that smokers who switch to nicotine electronic cigarettes are more likely to quit smoking than those who remain on standard smoking cessation methods. "Smokers allocated to e-cigarettes were more likely to have quit smoking than those allocated to nicotine-replacement therapy, and both were more effective than standard care or placebo conditions. Due to the risk of bias in the studies included, more high-quality research is needed to determine the impact of e-cigarettes on smoking cessation," the study concluded.


Statement:


This article draws from third-party sources and is intended solely for professional industry exchange and learning purposes.


This article does not reflect the views of 2FIRSTS and 2FIRSTS cannot verify the authenticity and accuracy of its content. The translation of this article is only meant for industry exchange and research purposes.


Due to limitations in our ability to accurately translate, the translated article may not faithfully convey the meaning of the original text. We advise readers to refer to the original text for accuracy.


2FIRSTS maintains full alignment with the Chinese government on any domestic, Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, or international issues and positions.


The copyright of compiled information belongs to the original media and author, and if there is any infringement, please contact us for removal.



Disclaimer

This article is provided solely for professional research, industry discussion, and informational purposes. Any references to brands, companies, products, technologies, or policies are made for factual reporting and analytical purposes only, and do not constitute endorsement, recommendation, promotion, or advertising by 2Firsts.

Nicotine-containing products, including but not limited to cigarettes, e-cigarettes, heated tobacco products, and nicotine pouches, carry significant health risks. Readers are responsible for complying with all applicable laws and regulations in their respective jurisdictions, including age restrictions and access limitations.

The information contained in this article should not be regarded as investment, legal, medical, regulatory, or commercial advice. While 2Firsts strives to ensure the accuracy and reliability of its content, it does not assume liability for any direct or indirect loss arising from errors, omissions, inaccuracies, or reliance on the information contained herein.

This article is not intended for individuals below the legal age for accessing tobacco or nicotine-related information in their jurisdiction.

 

Copyright Notice

This article is either original content produced by 2Firsts or content reproduced, translated, summarized, or adapted from third-party sources with attribution where applicable. The intellectual property rights of the original content remain with 2Firsts or the respective original rights holders.

No individual or organization may copy, reproduce, distribute, republish, modify, translate, or otherwise use this content without prior authorization. Any unauthorized use may result in legal action.

For copyright-related inquiries, corrections, or removal requests, please contact: info@2firsts.com.

 

AI-Assisted Translation and Editing Notice

Portions of this article may have been translated, edited, or reviewed with the assistance of artificial intelligence tools to improve efficiency and readability. Due to the limitations of AI-assisted translation and editing, discrepancies, omissions, or inaccuracies may exist when compared with the original source.

Where applicable, readers are advised to refer to the original source for the most complete and accurate information. If you identify any errors or believe that any content infringes upon your rights, please contact us at info@2firsts.com, and we will review and address the matter promptly.

Australia Tobacco Tax Debate Spreads Within Labor as NSW Premier Minns Reaffirms Support for a Cut
Australia Tobacco Tax Debate Spreads Within Labor as NSW Premier Minns Reaffirms Support for a Cut
Australia’s tobacco excise debate is increasingly exposing differences within the governing Labor Party. New South Wales Labor Premier Chris Minns reaffirmed on September 8 that he supports reducing tobacco excise, arguing that current tax settings are pushing consumers toward cheaper black-market cigarettes. Federal Health Minister Mark Butler continues to oppose an excise cut, while Treasurer Jim Chalmers and Assistant Treasurer Daniel Mulino have recently stopped short of ruling out future changes. The divergence follows the opposition Coalition’s proposal to cut tobacco excise by 80%.
Sep.08
China STMA Deputy Administrator Meets KT&G COO as Heated Cigarette Rules Advance
China STMA Deputy Administrator Meets KT&G COO as Heated Cigarette Rules Advance
Wang Gongcheng, deputy administrator of China’s State Tobacco Monopoly Administration, met KT&G Chief Operating Officer Lee Sang-hak in Shanghai on September 1, according to Oriental Tobacco News. The meeting comes as China seeks public comment on a draft mandatory national standard for heated cigarettes. The report did not disclose the subjects discussed or indicate whether heated tobacco products or market access were addressed.
News
Sep.02
From Product Innovation to Integrated Solutions: NEXTECH Expands Its Global Heated Tobacco Solutions
From Product Innovation to Integrated Solutions: NEXTECH Expands Its Global Heated Tobacco Solutions
NEXTECH launched its NEXE Pro circumferential-heating tobacco stick globally at InterTabac 2026, as the company expands from product innovation into broader heated tobacco solutions. Amid intensifying competition across global HTP markets, NEXTECH is strengthening its R&D, manufacturing and pre-launch support capabilities to serve different types of business customers.
Industry Insight
Sep.15
Altria Smokeable Profit Rises 2.4% as Marlboro Share Falls and U.S. Discounts Gain
Altria Smokeable Profit Rises 2.4% as Marlboro Share Falls and U.S. Discounts Gain
Altria’s second-quarter results show a U.S. nicotine market splitting across price, product and regulation. Smokeable profit rose 2.4% as Marlboro pricing offset lower volumes, while discount brand Basic gained share among value-conscious smokers. In oral nicotine, on! PLUS expanded distribution but faced intensifying competition from ZYN and Velo. NJOY remained off the market as patent and regulatory hurdles delayed its return. The broader lesson: U.S. growth increasingly depends on price-tier strategy, retail execution, authorisation and enforcement readiness across the industry.
Special Report
Jul.31
Malaysia Police Seize RM12.7 Million in Illegal Vapes and Cigarettes as Probe Points to Sea Shipments From China
Malaysia Police Seize RM12.7 Million in Illegal Vapes and Cigarettes as Probe Points to Sea Shipments From China
Police in Malaysia’s Selangor state seized illegal vape products and contraband cigarettes worth about RM12.7 million (approximately $3 million) in two enforcement operations. According to New Straits Times and The Star, the vape-related operation uncovered 131,036 boxes of vape products, 4,900 bottles of e-liquid and 25,510 vape devices, valued at about RM9.4 million. Police said preliminary investigations indicated that some illegal vape products entered Malaysia through sea shipments from China before moving through storage and distribution networks.
Aug.10
BAT Calls for Retailer Input in Future Nicotine Regulations
BAT Calls for Retailer Input in Future Nicotine Regulations
British American Tobacco (BAT) has called for stronger retailer involvement in shaping future nicotine product regulations in the UK, arguing that frontline market feedback should be considered during policy development. BAT said retailers provide direct insight into consumer behavior, market changes and regulatory implementation challenges. The comments come as the UK nicotine market undergoes regulatory changes, including the disposable vape ban, Vaping Products Duty and efforts to address illicit vape sales.
Jul.29